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It’s Confirmed: American Parents Are Struggling
by Alex Thompson
Oct. 16, 2023
Parenting is a daunting task in any country, but American parents often feel the weight of it more heavily. This struggle is, in part, due to the minimal support provided by our government. This is just one of the many reasons to consider voting for the right candidates in upcoming elections.
A recent article in The New York Times highlighted the significant disparities in childcare policies across various nations, emphasizing how the United States falls short. This shortcoming is placing a considerable burden on parents.
In her piece titled “The Constant Anxiety of American Parenthood,” Sarah Whitman argues that parents are left in a tough spot due to the inaction of our political leaders. And she makes a compelling case.
Whitman references a forthcoming study from The American Journal of Psychology that indicates parents in the U.S. report being 12 percent “less happy” than those without children. Among 22 affluent countries surveyed, this represents the largest “happiness gap” recorded. She also notes that even countries with fewer resources, such as Ukraine, provide paid maternity leave and subsidized preschool, along with substantial financial support for new parents. In Ukraine, it seems like having a baby pays off!
It’s baffling that in a nation that prides itself on being the best, we find ourselves comparing our policies to those of others. Shouldn’t we be setting an example? I can’t help but think of that memorable quote from Jeff Daniels in The Newsroom: “When you ask what makes us the greatest country in the world, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” (And yes, we can all agree that The Newsroom wasn’t exactly a masterpiece.)
While it’s easy to find humor in the situation, the reality is disheartening, especially with many feeling frustrated enough to consider extreme political changes. Both candidates acknowledge the inadequacies of our parental policies, and it’s clear that many Americans, particularly parents, are fed up.
No one denies that parenthood can be rewarding (even if I sometimes question it at 5 AM when my little one wakes me up randomly). Those rare joyful moments can often make the challenges feel insignificant, yet there is substantial room for improvement. While the government can’t make your child eat their veggies or behave, it can ease the burden of nurturing our future generations.
In the Times article, Whitman, an American residing in France who has authored a book on “the wisdom of French parenting,” outlines how her new environment makes child-rearing less taxing. She reviews each candidate’s proposals for paid leave and other support measures, urging parents and those aspiring to become parents to vote wisely to help the U.S. catch up with the rest of the world.
American parents are indeed struggling. But with the right leaders, there’s hope for a brighter future. For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post on intracervicalinsemination.com. Additionally, if you’re exploring options, Make a Mom is a great resource for at-home insemination kits. And for comprehensive information on pregnancy, Healthline has excellent articles available.
Summary
American parents are facing significant challenges due to inadequate government support, leading to feelings of unhappiness compared to non-parents. Countries like Ukraine offer better parental benefits, highlighting the U.S.’s shortcomings. With upcoming elections, there is hope for change if the right candidates are elected.