This is a hot topic. I have come across discussions in favour and against; but this is practically our fate as relentless readers and researches. Much like everything else, there is much debate and there is no real straight forward answer. Of course, I have my opinions, despite trying to remain balanced in all I do and it is probable that this blog will incline at some point to the side I find more realistic. However, I feel I should not state my view for the reason that I still hope that the readers can use this information to negotiate freely their own opinion.
Let me start with the arguments which are less positive about parents who work. It should be highlighted immediately that there seems to be a difference between returning to work when the children are older and settled in school and returning to work soon after giving birth to your child. In fact most of the available discussions on this topic seem to zoom in on the age bracket of zero to school age. It is almost obvious that attendance in school frees up considerable hours which could be dedicated to employment.
– Steve Libreri is a social worker and parent coach within Willingness. He offers parent coaching and social work sessions. He can be contacted on steve@willingness.com.mt.