Validation that Working Part-time is Good for My Child

I just came across a reference to an interesting study that found moms who work part-time have the healthiest kids. Well, I don't know if I agree completely with the study as I know my child isn't the healthiest but it does bring up the benefits of working part-time. I've recently thought seriously about returning to work full-time after having my second child because I figured that I wouldn't make enough working part-time to pay for two kids in daycare. Well, I've resolved that dilemma by deciding to keep working part-time until we truly can't manage it financially. I know there are various reasons for moms to work part-time but mine is both to fulfill financial needs and my career ambitions. Every mom I've spoken to who works full-time feels envious of my "gig". (I don't think my stay-at-home mommy friends are envious of me though but I know they have their reasons for choosing to stay at home.) I have to admit that while the nature of self-employment through consulting has it's ups and downs (literally, consulting runs on the feast or famine cycle) and thus leading to financial insecurities, it does allow me to provide a home-cooked meal on most week nights (we rarely get take-out or eat frozen pizzas) and run all the errands. I also get to spend some time with Scarlett, such as going to playdates, storytimes at the library, or take classes with her. I don't think I would be happy staying at home full-time so this gives me a good balance. I am proud to say that I managed to stave off the lures of television until Scarlett was two years old, as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended. Now that she does watch limited television, I do realize how convenient it is to park her in front of the television just to get stuff done. I'm not as optimistic though about keeping my second one away from the television before he turns two years old. I may just end up letting him watch television simply because his sister is watching it and also because it will probably be my only savior from complete chaos.