Children of Working Moms Eat Less Junk

Children of mothers who work outside the home eat less junk food than children whose mothers stay at home, according to a survey of 2,000 households by a Connecticut research firm.

Children with mothers who work outside the home eat more vegetables and wholesome cereals than do the children of full-time homemakers, the report said. Employed mothers are also more likely to rule out candy, salty snacks and fast food for their children.

According to the survey by MRCA Information Services, children of stay-at-home moms ate 23% more presweetened cereal, 33% more cookies, 11% more pizza and salty snacks and 25% more candy than their counterparts.

Both sets of mothers made an equal number of meals from scratch, the survey states. According to the report, mothers working outside the home are probably more likely to receive a helping hand in the kitchen from spouses and children than are mothers who stay at home.