Mom's Q&A: Are Working Moms Responsible for Childhood Obesity?

A recent study in the journal Child Development links a mother’s employment with an increase in her child’s body mass. According to a CNN article, a study of 900 children showed a one pound weight gain for every six months a mother worked.  The link strengthened as children approached fifth and sixth grades.

For obvious reasons, this study is causing a stir among working women. As if the guilt associated with working and raising a family were not enough, women are now being implicated in unnecessary weight-gain among school-aged children. Reasons cited included more time spent in front of the television, frequent use of fast food alternatives, less sit-down family dinners and differing sleep patterns.

As a working mother of a 6 and 8-year-old, I understand the reasons cited as contributing to a problem with childhood obesity in our country. However, I find fault in the argument that a woman’s decision to work is part of the blame. 

Women choose to stay in the workforce after having children for a variety of reasons, most poignantly right now because of the dramatic downturn our economy has taken in the last several years. For many women, the choice is not really a choice at all, but rather a necessity. However, in continuing to work, they are not, by extension, jeopardizing the health and well being of their children. Alternatively, I believe they are trying to maintain a quality of life and ease the burden our economic situation has placed on families today.

I admire the stamina, organization and dedication it takes for today’s mothers to balance a career and a family. A certain degree of planning and structure is implicit to sustaining a successful work and home life, particularly when time seems so fleeting. Yes, fast food alternatives seem a simple answer when time is tight and homework, extracurricular activities, bath time and meals encroach on an otherwise packed schedule.  However, local supermarkets and grocery stores like Wegmans, Giant or Graul’s offer quick and healthy alternatives.  Wegmans' meals to go are an easy way to plan a balanced, three-course, hot meal that caters to individuals’ tastes and preferences.  A fully cooked rotisserie chicken with appealing sides of roasted vegetables, pasta, or selection from the salad bar is a similar healthy and tasty option that takes the same amount of time as a stop at a fast food restaurant. Prepared meals like those offered at Let’s Dish provide the appeal of a home-cooked meal without the hassle of laborious preparation.

I will admit that I have fallen victim to the very pitfalls cited in the study.  However, is this solely because I work?  No. Kids today are involved in so many more extracurricular activities than we were at their age. Even recreation league sports require weeknight practices and away games. Whether you are working or not, you find yourself juggling multiple demands, all of which encroach on valuable “down time” at home with the family. 

Every mother, working or not, must make choices and plan for her children’s health and well-being. Working is not a choice to harm your child. Rather, it is a choice to pursue your passion, help support your family, or continue on your career path. It is also a choice to be a role model for your daughter, showing her, by example, that a woman can pursue her dreams without jeopardizing her family. 

Is it a juggle? Certainly. Does it sometimes come at the expense of leisure time around the dinner table or multi-ingredient meals?  Absolutely. But is it the cause for childhood obesity? No. Use a meal planner. Sample grocery store to-go options. Prepare and freeze meals. And, most importantly, teach your children to make healthy choices and limit unhealthy options. These are all things any mother can do- working or not. Don’t condemn a woman’s choice to work but rather give her means to make this choice manageable– for her and her family.