Does Mom's career cause teen's obesity?
Australian blog reader, Diana, sent me an interesting article from her local newspaper on a study done which linked obesity in teens directly to how much a mother works outside the home.
Interesting.Mothers who worked more than 30 hours were more inclined to turn to fast food for family meals, and teenagers left unsupervised at home were more inclined to snack constantly in front of the TV or computer, according to Patricia Kennedy, associate professor of marketing at the university's College of Business Administration.
"It's a combination of the two, but it's the parent who's buying the type of food that … is available for the child while unsupervised that is the overwhelming factor," she said.
posted by Crystal Paine at 5:56 AM
6 Comments:
I guess it is easier after a day outside the home, to fix a microwaveable, trans-fatty filled meal, then one that is actually balanced. Plus, these poor kids are wanting appropriate attention and turn to food for comfort. Another wonderfully reason to be a stay-at-home Mom if one can.
- there were similar studies conducted on the relationship between a mother's career involvement and her daughter's self-image.
There are serious correlations (of course!) between a mother's neglect of her children and detrimental consequences in her home; these correlations highlight the importance of a working mother's being aware of these dangers. I think that there are significant other correlations at play here too, though- socio economic background, age, ethnicity, etc. (and I have known lots of stay at home wives/mothers who totally neglected their health and thus negatively influenced their children in this regard too-there used to be a stereotype about "fat homeschoolers" where I come from, unfortunately)
Definitely, MM.
We can't say that "all children of working mothers will be fat." Obviously an untrue statement and a hasty generalization at that.
However, I'm always interested when someone is willing to step up and talk about how neglect on a mom's part can be detrimental to a child. Very few seem courageous enough to admit that a mom who works full-time can have a negative impact on her children.
Of course, you don't have to work full-time to neglect your children. You can stay home full-time and be more neglectful than a woman who works 40 or more hours per week.
By the way, MM, I got your essay today in the mail. You should have warned me not to open it up until I got home. I was trying to skim it and drive in busy traffic at the same time - not good, especially in busy traffic. I finally realized I would just have to wait to read it later lest I put my life and my daughter's life in jeopardy! Guess I could have been considered a neglectful mother myself! :) But, thanks for taking time to send it. I appreciate it. Let me know if it gets published.
We must be careful with the words we choose. Financially supporting your child does not = neglect.
Crystal, I'm glad you got it, and you are kind to take the time to glance at it! :) I'm honored-
I thought this was an interesting article so I sent it through. I have already made the decision that I want to be a stay-at-home wife/mother when the time comes. For now, I live with my parents and work 40 hours a week outside the home (my father's idea). I can't imagine how difficult it would be for me to live the way God wants me to AND hold down my current full-time job though.
Diana (in Australia)
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