'Part-time mums healthier than stay at home mums'

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro analysed data relating to 1,364 mothers over a 10-year period. 

"In all cases with significant differences in maternal well-being, such as conflict between work and family or parenting, the comparison favoured part-time work over full-time or not working," said lead author Cheryl Buehler, professor of human development and family studies.

"However, in many cases the well-being of mums working part time was no different from mums working full time."

Mothers who worked part time reported better overall health and fewer symptoms of depression than stay-at-home mums, but there were no reported differences in health between mums employed part time and those who worked full time, the researchers found. Both part timers and full-time workers felt similarly about how their work supported family life and felt working made them a better parent.

The research found that mothers employed part time were just as involved in their child's school as stay-at-home mums, and more involved than mums who worked full time. In addition, part-time workers mothers provided more learning opportunities for toddlers than stay-at-home mums and those working full time.