The first part of this paper describes three models of child development, each of which recommends an appropriate role to mothers for the proper nurturance of children. It is argued that the Child Survival model, which relegates a mother's role to provision of food and physical care, ignores aspects of psychological development. The Freudian/Learning Theory model leads to the conclusion that if children are not under the exclusive care of their mothers, they will not develop properly. The Maturational model implies that children can develop well with a variety of caretakers, providing good quality care is given. Of the three, the Maturational theory is most supported by research findings. Implications of these three models for working mothers and children are discussed. The second part proposes that maternal role satisfaction is an important variable to consider when the intersecting needs of working mothers and their children are examined. Discussion explores ways in which four factors (attitudes toward economic and family roles, conditions of mothers' work, adequacy of child care, and social opinions/support of family and cultural norms) relate to women's role satisfaction and their children's welfare. Particular attention is given to findings concerning child care and labor force participation in developing countries. Policy recommendations are offered, along with an extensive bibliography. (RH)