When moms work nights

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2005 | by Sharon Jayson

Today's 24/7 economy could be taking a toll on couples in dual-income families but also could hold some unexpected benefits for children in the families, new research suggests.

Research has shown that working the late shift puts strain on a couple's relationship. But now, a study of almost 60 dual-income families whose mothers were all nurses found that children benefit from increased time with fathers when mothers work nights, says Karen Gareis, a social psychologist at Brandeis University.

"Dad is not replacing Mom but participating in addition to Mom," Gareis says.

"It's an extra dose of parenting. They're better off. The extra father involvement has good effects on their socio-emotional well-being."

She and colleague Rosalind Barnett did the...