Subsequently, many childcare options are of very poor standard; in some cases with only one adult looking after many children at once. It can leave children bored, which in turn can slow their rate of development. Those on low pay are often forced to rely on these options.
Although, many people have argued this case and as a result, it has been proven that many forms of childcare are actually beneficial to both the parent and the child. For many centuries, it has been traditional for a member of the extended family, such as a grandparent, to help to look after the children, as they have had good experience before. Similarly, childcare professionals are trained and have taken courses on which they are taught how to look after young children properly and in some cases even more knowledgeable, than the first time parent themselves. Furthermore, playing with other children of a similar age is good for improving their social skills.
Mothers who stay at home are known to benefit the whole society. Consequently, having more time, suggests that they are more likely to help out in the community or be a volunteer worker at a local organisation. Above all, they will also be more involved in their child’s education, for instance, going to PTA meetings, helping out on school trips, or even going to mother and toddler groups. Mothers who stay at home are able to become fully involved in all these aspects of community life.
Of course on the other hand, encouraging women to work increases the workforce, which significantly increases the exports and productivity of the country. Over time, this will also generate employment for even more people.
Because the whole society benefits from giving children the best start in life, don’t you think that the government should do more to allow more women to stay at home to look after their kids? After all, it is the most important time of their lives. Most women do have the legal right to maternity leave. In the UK, this consists of 26 paid weeks and 26 un-paid weeks. In some countries, this is offered to either parent up until the child is 18 months old.
Many people have argued that many women have actually no choice about whether to work or to stay at home; either through money concerns or because they are single parents. Women often feel that they have to work to provide enough money for their family. Studies have shown that poverty has a lasting negative impact on children, regardless of having a mother at home. Expecting mothers to stay at home also makes them very dependent on their partners.
Many religions and cultures view a woman’s place, as being in the home. Within this, they are clearly respected, for wanting to bring up their children, the best that they possibly can.
As motherhood is thought to be the most important role for women, those who do not have children will more than likely suffer from prejudice. It will also deny them equal opportunities in most other areas of life. Some people also think that by focusing all the child’s attention on the mother, it often neglects the role of the father or other family members. The father may not have as many opportunities in raising the child, therefore meaning the child may grow more attached to their mother.
To conclude, I can say that I agree with both points of view. Personally, if I were to have children in the future, I would prefer to stay at home caring for my children, as I would like to spend as much time as possible with them and not miss out on the experience. Also, if you and your partner decided to have kids in the first place, I think that you should take full responsibility of them, instead of just handing them over to someone else to look after. I don’t think this matter can be resolved, as I think that it should be the mother’s own decision whether to look after her children or to earn her own living, as there are many different circumstances. After all, isn’t the mother’s right to live how she wants to? Shouldn’t she be able to decide what is best for her life?
