STRESS LEVELS OF FAMILY DAY-CARE PROVIDERS, MOTHERS EMPLOYED OUTSIDE THE HOME, AND MOTHERS AT HOME

Individual and family variables were compared between mothers who are family day care providers, mothers employed outside the home, and mothers not employed. The study uses data from telephone interviews with a random sample of 918 mothers of young children. Significant differences were found for mothers level of stress, education, income, and work hours, for husbands' income, work hours, and time spent actively involved with children; and for number of children. Providers' stress may be influenced by high demands and limited resources from their family situation as well as employment. Sources of stress should be considered when creating family day care training and support programs.