New research claims that children whose mothers work often lead less healthy lives than those with "stay at home" mums.
The Institute of Child Health study of over 12,500 five-year-olds found those with working mothers less active and more likely to eat junk food. It is estimated that around 60% of mothers with children up to the age of five are in work.
The mothers were asked about their work hours,their children's diet and exercise. A third of the mothers hadn't worked since the birth of their child, but the mums who were employed were spending an average of 21 hours a week at work.
The researchers took into account factors likely to influence the results, such as the mothers' level of education. They found that five-year-olds whose mothers worked part-time or full-time were more likely to mainly drink sweetened drinks between meals and were also more likely to be driven to school compared to the children of "stay at home" mothers who tended to walk or cycle.
The children of working mums also used their computers or watched television for at least two hours a day compared to the children of "stay at home" mums who spent less than two hours on these activities. The children whose mothers had a flexible working pattern did generally have healthier lifestyles.
Professor Catherine Law, who led the study said: "For many families the only parent or both parents will be working. Time constraints may limit parents' capacity to provide their children with healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity.
Our results do not imply that mothers should not work. Rather they highlight the need for policies and programmes to help support parents."
In the latest study, 37% of the children were mainly eating crisps and sweets between meals, 41% were consuming sweetened drinks and 61% used the television or a computer at least two hours daily.
A Department of Health spokesman said: "Our Change4Life movement is already helping over 370,000 families eat well, move more and live longer by helping them to understand the harm that fat and added sugar can cause to children's health, and offering them simple yet effective ways to make changes to their diet and increase their activity levels."
September 2009 | 
Children Of Working Mums Are Less Fit
