In today’s society, there is an ongoing debate about whether mothers should work or stay home to raise their children. However, studies show that working moms are often better moms than stay-at-home moms. Working moms role model independence, confidence, and achievement for their children. They also provide increased financial security and teach their kids valuable life lessons. While being a stay-at-home mom is a valid choice, working moms should feel proud of the benefits they provide their families.
Are Working Moms More Independent?
Working moms show their children firsthand that women are capable of being financially independent. By modeling this self-reliance, working moms teach their daughters that they can grow up to pursue any career they desire without being dependent on a spouse. Sons of working moms learn early on to respect women as equals in the workplace and value their ability to be independent.
In a 2013 survey by ForbesWoman and TheBump.com, 72% of working moms said being a working parent sets a good example for their children. This example encourages kids to work hard and strive for self-sufficiency when they grow up. Stay-at-home moms often portray a lack of independence to their children, giving them the impression that relying on a husband’s income is the norm.
Independence Instills Confidence
Being financially independent also boosts a working mom’s confidence in her abilities. This self-assurance rubs off on her children and teaches them to believe in themselves as well. According to the Center for American Progress, daughters of working moms are more likely to be employed themselves, hold supervisory roles, and earn higher incomes than daughters of stay-at-home moms.
Sons of working moms also report higher levels of well-being and lower levels of depression than sons raised by stay-at-home moms. Clearly, a working mom’s independence and confidence empowers her kids to be more self-reliant and believe in their potential.
Are Working Moms More Confident?
In addition to independence, working moms exude confidence in their abilities at work and home. By succeeding at their jobs outside the home, working moms show their kids firsthand that women can thrive in careers and leadership positions. This confidence provides a powerful example that helps daughters envision themselves in professional roles.
According to Ipsos research, 74% of working moms say having a job makes them a better parent because it sets a good example for their kids. Modeling career confidence teaches children to pursue their interests, work hard, and achieve their goals without limiting themselves based on gender.
Confidence Leads Children to Achieve
Seeing their mothers confidently tackle challenges at work motivates kids to push themselves as well. A study published in the journal Child Development found that daughters of working moms completed more years of education and were more likely to be employed themselves. Sons of working moms also achieved higher education levels according to the study.
Clearly, watching their mothers thrive in careers gives children confidence that they can accomplish great things too. A working mom’s belief in herself, her abilities, and her capacity to balance multiple responsibilities provides a powerful boost in confidence for her kids as well.
Do Working Moms Achieve More?
In addition to independence and confidence, working moms also model high achievement for their children. At work, they consistently accomplish goals and succeed in leadership roles. This high achievement sets an aspirational example for their kids to work hard, seek challenges, and realize their full potential.
According to data from the Pew Research Center, over 70% of moms with children under 18 are now in the labor force. As more moms achieve career success, their kids benefit from their motivating example. Children see that women can achieve at the highest levels, overcoming gender barriers that once limited opportunities.
Achievement Motivates Children to Succeed
Watching their moms achieve professionally motivates kids to strive for success themselves. Research in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that daughters of working moms spent more time on academics and extracurricular activities than daughters of stay-at-home moms. They work harder to fit in with their moms’ high-achieving example.
Sons of working moms also benefit from their achievement. A study in the Journal of Labor Economics found that sons of working moms spent more time caring for family members and doing household chores. By modeling high achievement, working moms motivate their kids to become accomplished in their own pursuits.
Do Working Moms Provide More Financial Security?
In addition to being independent, confident, and accomplished, working moms also provide increased financial security for their families. With two incomes, working mothers are able to give their kids advantages like better education, extracurricular activities, quality childcare and more.
According to Salary.com, a working mom contributes over $160,000 in income on average to her household annually. This additional income provides more advantages and greater financial security for the entire family.
Financial Security Leads to Less Stress
The increased income from a working mom also reduces financial stress at home. Because money issues are a leading cause of marital and family problems, the extra earnings help create a more relaxed home environment. Research shows that 62% of working moms say their income is crucial for their family’s economic well-being.
Having greater financial security allows working moms and their spouses to spend less time worrying about money and more time focused on their kids. This financial benefit ultimately leads to a calmer, more peaceful family life.
Do Working Moms Teach Valuable Life Lessons?
In addition to increased financial security, working moms also teach their kids valuable life lessons. By modeling hard work, perseverance, and career dedication, working moms help their children learn important skills. Kids with working moms learn how to be more independent, self-reliant, and responsible at earlier ages.
Working moms also talk more with their children about their jobs. This exposes kids to new concepts, ideas, and perspectives they wouldn’t hear otherwise. Overall, kids with working moms tend to be more cognitively, emotionally, and socially developed according to research.
Life Lessons Lead to Greater Maturity and Resilience
Managing the demands of work and home teaches working moms important life lessons. These lessons, like coping with stress, bouncing back from adversity, and prioritizing responsibilities rub off on their kids. Children learn from an early age how to juggle commitments, work through challenges, and be resilient in the face of setbacks.
By exemplifying a strong work ethic and perseverance, working moms raise children who are more independent, mature, and resilient. Their real-world example provides an invaluable education that prepares kids for adulthood.
Conclusion
While the choice to work or stay home is a personal one, research clearly shows the advantages for kids raised by working moms. Working mothers role model independence, confidence, and high achievement for their daughters and sons. They provide increased financial security for their families while also teaching valuable life lessons.
Working moms should feel proud of the benefits they provide. Their example empowers kids to dream big, believe in themselves, and work hard to achieve their full potential. For these reasons and more, working moms bring a unique perspective that makes them better moms overall. Though all moms face challenges in balancing responsibilities, the working mom’s experience equips kids for the future in invaluable ways.
| Benefit | Working Mom | Stay-at-Home Mom |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | High independence modeling financial self-reliance | Low independence modeling financial dependence |
| Confidence | High confidence in career abilities and work accomplishments | Less career confidence without work experience |
| Achievement | High achievement advancing in career with raises and promotions | Less measurable career achievement as stay-at-home parent |
| Financial Security | Higher financial security with second income | Only single income from spouse |
| Life Lessons | Teaches lessons on hard work, perseverance, responsibility | Less direct lessons from real-world work experience |
Working Moms Provide Benefits That Help Children Thrive
As the table illustrates, working moms provide many advantages that stay-at-home moms may not. While raising children is difficult regardless, the working mom’s experience equips kids with independence, confidence, and life skills that help them reach their potential.
Working moms should feel empowered in their choice, knowing the unique benefits they provide. Both stay-at-home and working moms face challenges in balancing responsibilities. However, working moms role model self-reliance and achievement that allows their kids to dream big.
For any mom, the most important thing is raising functional, happy, resilient children. The example working moms set empowers kids to eventually become independent themselves. As more women enter the workforce, the value of the working mom continues to grow. While all moms give their best to their kids, working moms provide benefits that help children thrive.
