Dilemma of the working mother
Living with children is one of the few situations where virtue is rewarded.Though it sounds intolerably priggish to say so, parents who think first what's best for the children really do have an easier, more comfortable life than those who do what they like and make the children fit in.
The key decision is: should both parents go out to work? Dr Spock takes the standard line: if a mother realizes how vital her care is a young baby 'it may make it easier for her to decide that the extra money she might earn, or the satisfaction she might receive from an out side job, is not so important after all'.
The evidence is, as usual, more confused. All research agrees on consistent loving care and a high level of stimulation as essential ingredients in optimal child development. But there's increasing doubt that the 24 hours a day,seven days a week mum is the best way to provide it.