Mothers negatively affected by having three daughters and no sons, study shows

Parents may fare better if they have two children of the same sex rather than having a third child to try for a mix of sexes, according to the study. Photograph: Maskot/Getty Images

Cinderella may have had an evil stepmother and a pair of ugly stepsisters to contend with. But the next time you settle down to the fairytale, spare a thought for parents with three daughters under the same roof.

Having three daughters and no sons can lead to a minor dent in mothers’ wellbeing that can take a whole decade to pass, according to researchers.