Depressed Moms Hurting Kids; Day Care Good Alternative

According to a new study, young children whose mothers deal with some form of depression are at a higher risk for various types of behavioral issues down the road. The same study, however, notes that day care may ease the risk of these issues significantly, if properly utilized.

The study, which appeared in the July issue of Pediatrics, notes that the benefits received from such child services only work if said services are “formal care,” not “informal care.”

"It's good news," said Dr. Pete Richel, chief of pediatrics at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. to the U.S. World and News Report. "Moms have an incredible job to do. Any break from that constant care is very valuable," said Richel, who was not involved in the study.

In order to come to their conclusions, researchers, in a campaign headed by Dr. Lynne Giles of the University of Adelaide, studied approximately 450 mothers who were analyzed and checked for mental disorders including, but not limited to depression. As part of the process, the mothers also participated in a few surveys.

It was found that children of mothers suffering from depression had an increased risk of behavioral problems down the road. However, when children with depressed mothers were part of child care services, the risk of problems fell substantially.

Contrarily, Richel added, "day care for toddlers doesn't have to be preschool and 'We-want-to-be-in-Harvard-when-we're-18.' Children are children, and they need to play and be nurtured. That provides a break for mom to relax, let loose and not be in charge."