Research on stay at home moms and child development?

Question

Where can I find reliable studies and research done on the effect of stay at home moms on child development? Day care in my area starts at 3 years old.

Answer 1

The answers, and than some; Dr. Raymond Moore did many studies in this area; can be found in one of his books called Better Late Than Early, by Dr. Raymond Moore, and Dorothy Moore.

In this book, much of what is commonly believed about the benefits of early child hood education is questioned, and disputed; although they set out to prove that early child hood education was a good thing, the opposite proved to be true; it will give you a new perspective on the importance of children being at home with their parents, and the many benefits it has on a young child's development.

Answer 2

If you do a google search for "stay at home mom child development study" you'll get hits.  (and "working mom child development study" as well)

The studies tend to support that kids of working moms don't suffer developmentally.  However, there is much more to life than developmental growth.  There is a sense of security, behavior, etc.

From my limited research I have found that the conclusion is that being a working mom doesn't hurt your child, but being a stay at home mom is better for your child.   (Much like the breast milk/formula debate).

But a lot depends on the quality of parenting and the quality of day care as well.