Children of working mums have ‘unhealthy lifestyles’

Children with mothers who go out to work are more prone to unhealthier lifestyles than those whose mothers do not work, a study has determined.

The study, conducted by the Institute of Child Health, found that children of working mums are more sedentary and are more likely to be driven to school.

Researchers working on the project said: “These children were also more likely to spend at least two hours a day in front of the TV or at a computer and they were more likely to be driven to school rather than walk or cycle.”

Children whose mothers go out to work were also found to eat less fruit, while the children of those who work flexitime were still found to lead unhealthy lifestyles.

Around 60 per cent of mothers with children under the age of five go to work in the US and UK. The authors of the study concluded: “Our 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.”