This paper summarizes recent evidence from a series of evaluations of family self-sufficiency programs. These studies show that policies can be successful in achieving both positive economic benefits for parents (such as increased employment) and positive educational effects on their children. It need not be the case that increasing mothers' work effort simply increases their time away from the family and harms their children, but that certain types of economic policies can benefit children's school performance and social behavior. (Contains 1 note and 2 figures.) [Additional sponsorship was provided by the Buffett Early Childhood Fund.]