Working Mothers

In the United States today, more than half of mothers with young children work, compared to about one third (26) ______ 1970s. Women have been moving into the workforce not only for career (27) ______ but also for the income.

In many families today, mothers continue to work because they have careers that they have spent years (28) ______. Some women (29) ______ to work soon after (30)______birth because they know that most employers are not sympathetic to working mothers who wish to take time off to be with their young children.

Some people still think that a “good mother” is one who (31) ______work to stay home with her children. However, no scientific evidence says children are harmed when their mothers work. A child who is emotionally well adjusted, well loved, and well cared for will thrive regardless of (32) ______the mother works outside the home.

In most families with working mothers, each person (33) ______ a more active role in the household. The children tend to (34) ______ one another and help in other ways. The father as a (35) ______ is more likely to help with household chores and child rearing. These positive outcomes are most likely when the working mother feels valued and supported by family, friends, and coworkers.

The father as a (35) ______ is more likely to help with household chores and child rearing.