Pediatrics in Brevard: Children with two working parents often have positive outcomes
National Working Parents Day is celebrated every year on Sept. 16. This day is commemorated by showing support for parents who juggle working outside the home while raising children.
It is no small feat to keep children nourished, entertained, hygienic and educated while also dedicating your time and effort to an outside employer.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics states that roughly 60% of children have both parents that work outside of the home.
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There are many benefits of having a working parent. This is music to the ears of those guilt-ridden working parents who struggle to perform both roles adequately.
There have been multiple studies showing that kids who have working parents have positive outcomes in the areas of social interactions, independence, finances and quality time as a family.
Daughters in homes with working mothers tend to achieve higher education, have a higher level of engagement in the workforce as an adult, obtain higher paying jobs and hold positions of leadership.
Sons in homes with working moms tend to be more empathetic. This is likely because children learn from what we do as parents.
When both parents work, household chores tend to be divided up more evenly. Men raised by working moms are more likely to help with household responsibility and also more likely to participate in more childcare within the home.
Having a working mother has a very clear and profound effect on gender inequality as well. This has been demonstrated in many research studies. This also holds true across 24 other countries, so it is not unique to America.
Having two working parents shows kids that working in the home and outside of the home are equally valuable.
Households with working parents often suffer from less financial stress. Children raised by dual employed parents also have more access to higher quality early education.
Research has also shown that these children are as happy as adults as those raised by a stay-at-home parent.
A 2010 meta-analysis of 69 studies that spanned over half a century found that children whose mothers worked had no increase in learning, behavioral or social issues.
These children also tended to do very well in school and also have less anxiety and depression. This data is a good counterpoint to the thought that employed mothers are negatively affecting their children and society.
For a fair presentation of the facts, it should also be noted that children who have two working parents do tend to have more time without parental supervision at earlier ages than those with a stay-at-home parent.
This lack of supervision can cause poor school performance and lead to more risky decisions. Therefore, it is important that appropriate childcare is obtained while parents are working.
One way to celebrate this holiday is to acknowledge and show admiration for working parents.
If you are a manager, co-worker or friend of someone holding down double duties, it would be great to drop them a call, text or email telling them that they are appreciated!
Working parents balance two very important jobs that require a lot of physical and emotional endurance.
Reach out to the working parents in your life on Sept. 16 and let them know they are valued!
It is always nice to be recognized and praised for hard work.
Lea Dickens attended the University of Florida, Gainesville, graduating Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008, and her Master’s in 2009. She is certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and has been with Pediatrics in Brevard since 2013 based in the Melbourne office.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Parents should be celebrated Sept. 16 on National Working Parents Day
