Exploring how mothers' work schedules affect child health and development

Understanding Trends in Mothers' Work Schedules: Implications for Child Health and Development

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10916188

This study looks at how different work schedules for moms, like evening and weekend shifts, affect their kids' health and development, helping us understand how changes in work hours and child care arrangements impact family life.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10916188 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of changing work schedules for mothers on the health and development of their children. It focuses on how the rise of nonstandard work hours, such as evening and weekend shifts, influences the time mothers spend with their children and the arrangements for child care. By analyzing trends over the past 30 years, the study aims to understand the relationship between mothers' employment patterns and child well-being, particularly in light of recent public investments in child care and education.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include families with children aged 0-11 years, particularly those with mothers working nonstandard hours.

Not a fit: Families where mothers have traditional work schedules or those without children in the specified age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved policies and support systems that enhance child health and development by addressing the challenges posed by mothers' work schedules.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that work schedules can significantly affect family dynamics and child outcomes, suggesting that this study builds on established findings while addressing contemporary issues.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.