Does having a working mother harm or otherwise disadvantage their children?

[ShyGuyInChicago]

Some people argue that working mothers harm children because they do not check on their children's sleep habits and are less likely to cook and more likely to give their kids fast food because of the lot. Some also argue that working moms are less likely to discipline their children because they do not spend a lot of time with them and will not want to spend what little time they have together arguing. Another argument is that two-income families actually have less money because money is spend on childcare eating out commuting, dry cleaning, and etc. A problem I have with some of these arguments is that it does not seem to consider what role the father has in raising children. Plus if men can work and help raise children why can't women?

http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/do-working-moms-put-their-kids-at-a-disadvantage

What do you think about this? Did your mother work or stay in the home?

[Jess]

my mom works in the morning, so she doesn't really harm me and my brothers.

[karl]

Could be true, my mum has a full time job, but I'm lucky enough to have an uncle, aunt and cousins around. Better that, than having an alcoholic staggering about the place!

[The Dark Lord]

My mum doesn't work and I think it makes a difference. I think children should have a full time parent at home as it provides stability at home.

[steve1234]

Yes I definatly think so. Im not saying mothers should stay at home at look after the children and do all the cleaning, but if there is a mum and dad, then at least one of them should stay at home (well, until the kids become independent in the teen years). I don't think it matters if its the mum or dad who stays at home.

Although that is easier said than done. If the family is struggling for money and need all the money they can get, then it would be difficult to have one parent at home. Also, if there are single parents, then it would be even more difficult to stay at home.

[Atonement]

Can it hurt? Surely it can. But a working mother does not make a neglectful mother. Does that mean a mother who doesn't work is going to be compassionate and caring? Hell no. A mother that is a disadvantage to their kids is one who is simply a bad mother, not because of their job. Now, I'm not going to completely dismiss the notion that working mothers have less time for their kids, but that doesn't make them bad parents. In some cases, can it be a disadvantage? Sure. But to assume so is ridiculous.