Study: Working Moms Cause No Lasting Harm to Children
(WTNH) _ For many, going to work is a necessity, and staying at home with their children is not an option. A new study by the American Psychological Association suggests that children of women who work suffer no permanent harm because of their mother's absence. The study evaluated the development and health of more than 6,000 youngsters of all races from 3 years old to 12. The study gauged the children's language development, academic achievement, self-esteem and behavior problems.
News Channel 8's Jayne Saffer visited with a mom who works and one who stays at home.

Tracy Maloney prides herself on being a stay at home mom. She wouldn't have it any other way.

Tracy Maloney: "I have to stay at home with my kids. I have to be the person that takes care of my children. That is how I feel."

Marie Massaro, also a mother of 2, works 40 hours a week at Aetna. She works because she needs to and for the benefits. She says the recent study showing kid of working moms don't suffer permanent harm confirms what she already knows about her own kids.

"I never have noticed any significant difference in behavior or development so I've kind of always had a good gut feeling."

For Massaro knowing her kids have quality daycare really helps, but there are times she feels guilty.

Massaro: "I think there's always the time you feel badly particularly if they are sick."

That's something this mom doesn't have to worry about.

Maloney: "Jordan happens to be home today. She is not feeling well but I feel thankful I can be here."

The study did point out some differences within the group of working moms. It looked at how long those moms worked and how soon after they had their babies they returned to their jobs. According to the study, moms who returned to work later had children who had better behavior. But both these mom's agree the choice has to be an individual decision.

Marie Massaro: "Everybody feels at some point like their kids are the worst in the world. I really don't see a difference. I think my kids are more independent."

Maloney: "I have to go by my gut - by my mom instincts."

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