Carefully conducted studies that ha

Carefully conducted studies that have followed the children of working mothers have not been able
to show any long-term problems, compared with children whose mothers stayed at home. My personal (36)
_____ is that mothers should be allowed to work if they wish. Whether we like it or not, there are a number
of mothers who just have to work. There are those who have invested such a big part of their lives in establishing a career that they cannot (37) _____ to see it lost. Then there are many who must work out of
pure economic (38 ) _____. Many mothers are not (39) _____ to be full-time parents. After a few months at
home with a much beloved infant, they feel trapped and isolated.

There are a number of options when it (40) ____ to choosing childcare. These range from child
minders and nannies through to Granny or the kind lady across the street. In reality, however, many parents
do not have any choice; they have to accept anything they can get. Be prepared! No (41) _____ how good
the childcare may be, some children are going to protest wildly if they are left. This is a (42) _____ normal
stage of child development. Babies separate well in the first six months, but soon after that they start to get
a crush on Mum and close family (43) _____. Make sure that in the first week, you allow plenty of time to
help your child settle in.

All children are different. Some are independent, while others are more (44) _____ to their mothers.
Remember that if you want to do the best for your children, it’s not the quantity of time you spend with
them; it’s the (45) ____manner_ that matters.