You work, which means you can’t spend as much time as you’d like with your sweet pea. Will she suffer because of it? You know you will. But try to let this particular guilt trip go. Children of working moms do just as well as those of stay-at-home mothers, according to a spate of research. (Also see “Will My Child Turn Out Okay?”)

“Mothers who work full-time do spend less face time with their babies during the workweek, but studies find that weekend time together is no less—and often greater—than nonemployed mothers’ time with their babies,” says Margaret Tresch Owen, PhD, director of the Center for Children and Families at the University of Texas at Dallas. Plus, the studies show that the quality of your time together matters more than the quantity. Maximize your relationship by being truly present when with your child (no BlackBerry, no ruminating about that Power-Point presentation). Encourage the other loving adults in your baby’s life—Dad, caregiver, grandparents, siblings—says Dr. Tresch Owen, “but be reassured that a working mom can still be the most continuous and supportive relationship in her child’s life.”

So Funny

A quiver of the lip, a rise in the cheekbones, bright eyes…did your baby just smile? Was that a giggle? Where did that sense of humor suddenly come from? It all starts around age 5 months, when infants begin to react to and laugh at the surprising or unusual, like a game of peek-aboo, explains psychologist Rod A. Martin, phD, author of The Psychology of Humor. Then, around 12 to 18 months, babies begin to create their own funny moments. Yours may chuckle with glee when he puts a bowl on his head or drops a sippy cup—over and over. Once you laugh at his antics, he has reason to do it again. “It’s important for parents to reinforce this sense of humor by responding with laughter,” Dr. Martin says. “This gives the baby a sense of control and mastery and makes him a key player in your interchanges.” Humor is also a way to communicate, build social skills and help a child learn to regulate his emotions. “You tickle, he laughs—you’re showing your love and respect and that you value quality time with him,” Dr. Martin explains. And he gains a lifelong gift that will eventually, as they say, win friends and influence people.  

Mommy-Time Management

To maximize moments with your little one, says Dr. Margaret Tresch Owen:

Build around the basics. Use everyday tasks like bathing, dressing and changing your baby as a chance to talk to her, touch her, caress and nurture.

Engage and be present. Listen and watch with full focus, and let your child know you take pleasure in what she does—like her nursing or gurgling.

Play as you work. Involve her in your chores, talking and creating games. (Where’s the sock? There’s the sock.)