The effects of maternal depression on child outcomes during the first years of formal schooling

•We examine the relationship between maternal depression and student outcomes.•We explore outcomes of elementary school achievement, attendance, and behavior.•We find differences by timing and persistence of maternal depression.•Persistent depression predicts negative behavior and smaller achievement.•Persistent depression predicts increased absences.

Depression among parents, particularly maternal depression, is an important factor in children's lives. Among mental health disorders, depression is one of the most common and can be a debilitating and chronic condition. Little research has examined the effect of maternal depression on children's school-related outcomes during the early years of formal schooling. Using a nationally representative sample of over 16,940 kindergarteners (ages 5–6); we examine the association between the timing and persistence of maternal depression, measured in kindergarten and third grade, and children's school behaviors, academic achievement, and school absences through fifth grade. Results indicate that persistent maternal depression predicts more negative behaviors, smaller achievement gains, and increased school absences. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.