Kids of working mums have unhealthier lifestyles

Children whose mothers go out to work are likely to lead unhealthier lifestyles than those whose mothers don't work, according to new research.

The UK researchers based their findings on more than 12,500 five-year old children who were part of the UK Millennium Study.

The mothers were asked about the hours they worked and about their children's diet, exercise levels and sedentary activities, such a sitting in front of the TV or computer.

It was found that children whose mothers worked part or full-time were more likely primarily to consume sugary drinks between meals than kids whose mothers never worked.

They were also less likely to snack on fruit and vegetables or to eat the recommended daily amount of fruit.

These children were also more likely to spend at least two hours in front of the TV or at a computer and they were more likely to be driven to school, rather than walking or cycling.

The researchers, from University College London, stress that the results do not imply that mothers should not work.

Rather, they highlight the need for policies and programmes to help support parents to create a healthy environment for their children, the researchers suggest.

The research is published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

[Posted: Tue 29/09/2009]