Poll: Are working mother or stay-at-home mother more emotionally abusive toward their children?

Question

Maybe working mums have more to vent, but then stay at home mamas got to practise their inborn manipulative skills somewhere [their children].

Welcome any thoughts from mothers, children, fathers and anyone :-)

Answer 1

I think this is a really ignorant question.

Abuse is abuse..

Answer 2

It depends on the personality/experiences/coping mechanisms of the mother - both can be emotionally abusive if they don't cope well with stress or don't understand good parenting.

From my point of view it is more stressful being a stay at home mother than a working mother (I have done both) if you have kids that whine or are prone to tantrums, but that doesn't mean that you would become abusive.

Answer 3

I'm sure that the percentage of each is about the same. If you are going to emotionally abuse, I do not think working or staying at home makes a difference. I just hope the kids get the help they need.  

Answer 4

I was raised by a stay-at-home mother and I believe that sometimes she could be classified as more emotionally abusive because she was around the three of us at all times with little adult contact and when she would get frustrated she would have no one to vent to and take it out on us. I think that each has its pros and cons.

Answer 5

stay at home mothers probably. they dont get a break from their kids. I go to work and at the end of the day I'm so happy to see mine. But if I was doing it all everyday all day I would probably get frustrated

Answer 6

I don't think it's an either/or question.  I'm sure both types of mother can be emotionally abusive and equally that they can be emotionally supportive.  It depends very much on the individual and their own upbringing and circumstances.  

I would also disagree that working mothers 'have more to vent' - it's just as likely that a SAHM would be frustrated by the lack of adult conversation and vent that on her children!

Answer 7

An abusive personality does not stem from ones profession or working status.  I think working mothers and stay at home moms can be as equally abusive, if their personality works that way.   I understand what you're saying about working moms needing to vent.  But, does that mean stay at home moms are always 100% happy, calm, content and emotionally stable?    No, that's not true.  

So, again, you can't answer this question.  An abusive personality is not formed from ones working status.  

Answer 8

no one should be emotionally abusive and I don't see how working or staying home has anything to do with that.

Answer 9

I think your question is ridiculous and an attempt to create another issue between working moms and sahm.  My only response to you is that I don't believe women have inborn manipulative skills.  Utterly ridiculous.

Answer 10

i think it totally depends on the mother. some mums are happy to stay at home and have a nice balanced social life while others don't. i know i wouldn't be happy staying at home for several years. i've been at home now for a whole year and i'm looking forward to "going back out there". i don't think there's a simple answer to your question

Answer 11

I think whether a parent is abusive, verbal or otherwise, has more to do with the way they were raised and how they handle stressful situations and anger.  I don't think their working situation has anything to do with it.  

Answer 12

Working or staying at home has absolutely nothing to do w/ being emotionally abusive.  

Answer 13

I dont think being a SAHM or working mom has anything to do with being emotionally abusive.  I think some women may be more prone to it whether they work or stay home.

Answer 14

I agree with Darcy and Nina.  This sounds like just another petty attempt to instigate the Mommy Wars.  Working at or outside the home has nothing to do with it.  It's about the mother's personality, and how well she handles stress.