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How Does the Amount of Time Mothers Spend with Children Matter?

Dr. Milkie's research helps to reshape cultural frames regarding maternal time and children's well being

Does the amount of time children spend with their mothers matter for children‘s well-being ? Although intensive mothering ideology underscores the irreplaceable nature of mothers‘ time for children‘s well-being, and social theories posit that mothers‘ time is important, empirical evidence is scant. In this study, using nationally representative time diary and survey data, we examine how the amount of time mothers spend with children is related to academic, social, emotional, and health outcomes. Two types of maternal time, engaged and accessible, are examined. At younger ages (3-11), the amount of maternal time matters little, especially relative to social status factors. In adolescence, both engaged and accessible time is negatively related to engagement in risky behaviors. The study helps reshape cultural frames regarding maternal time and children‘s well-being.

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