Due to the changes in society and increasing financial demands on today's families, more women are compelled to take on careers, rather than stay at home. There is much debate on the subject. Some argue that a mother's presence at home is necessary for the proper development of children. Childrearing expert T. Berry Brazelton suggested that "children who fail to bond with parents before the age of one may grow up to be terrorists." (Eyer, 41) Conversely, others feel working mothers gain higher self-esteem and set better role models for their children. For women, paid employment has resulted in heightened self-esteem and improved physical and mental health, claims the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Plenty of studies show that employed women are healthier than homemakers. Who is right?

At the turn of the twentieth century, definite gender roles existed. Women bore many children, cared for these children and took care of the many manual domestic chores. A woman working outside of the home was unheard of. Men were brought up to learn a trade, many times physically demanding, and be the breadwinners for their large families. The Ozzie and Harriet model of the 1950s was the norm

Conversely, reliable studies tell us that a child does not requires fulltime care from their biological mother, but that children generally thrive when they have good, stable relationships with several reasonably well-adjusted adults (Eyer, 42). Adults are more likely to be well adjusted when they have a life outside of the home. Working mothers provide a positive role model for children. These children learn to develop better social skills, assertion, and independence. Daycare can provide opportunities to interact with other children at early ages and develop positive friendships with other children and adults. These children are better prepared when entering school. Also, older children of dual income families contribute more to family chores such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for pets. These household tasks teach self-reliance and autonomy.

Why can't men and women be equal? Today's financial and social structure requires collaboration across the sexual boundaries. Both sexes can benefit from dual careers, team parenting, and shared domestic responsibilities. This will result in enhanced women's self esteem and mental health, and improved relationships amongst fathers and their children. Overall, this approach seems more productive without producing terrorists.

In the early fifties, when women only stayed at home and watched the children, they had a high incidence of depression and anxiety. This may be due to isolation, loneliness, and dependence. Whereas, women who work out

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Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)