By: Alex Taylor
Updated: Dec. 3, 2016
Originally Published: Dec. 3, 2016
Well, folks, the marathon of the longest election cycle is finally in the rearview mirror. Whether you’re feeling elated, heartbroken, anxious, furious, or simply thankful to escape the barrage of political ads for a few years, one undeniable truth looms: we have a mountain of work ahead of us.
The challenges facing families don’t just vanish; they evolve. It’s not enough to throw around buzzwords like “family values” or “work-life balance” while failing to implement real solutions that allow American families to flourish. Right now, too many families are merely surviving, which leaves little room for actual thriving.
The election may have concluded, but the hard work is far from over. Advocating for equality, justice, and safety is an ongoing endeavor. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in! Here are some crucial areas where we can start making a difference:
We Need Paid Family Leave—Like, Yesterday.
American policies on maternity leave are shockingly outdated and inadequate for many families. Governed by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), new parents can take up to 12 weeks off work without pay after welcoming a child, but only if they meet certain criteria. If you’re employed at a small business with fewer than 50 employees, good luck—you might not get any time off at all. And even if you do qualify, the lack of pay during that leave is a massive hurdle.
For family leave to be truly beneficial, it has to be paid and widely accessible, as seen in many other countries. In fact, the U.S. is the only country among 41 nations that doesn’t mandate paid leave for new parents, which is detrimental to all. Some experts, like Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatrician at the University of Health Sciences, argue that a minimum of six to nine months should be standard. “By six months, parents are in a better place with their child,” she told NPR.
Equal Work Deserves Equal Pay.
It’s no secret that women earn less than men. Data from the National Association for Women shows a staggering 23% pay gap. This disparity is even more pronounced for women of color. The persistent excuses and justifications for this wage gap won’t help anyone; the fact remains that women are underpaid, and we need to find solutions.
With nearly half of two-parent households having both parents working full-time, and 40% of families with children relying on mothers as the primary breadwinners, an underpaid mom means an underpaid family. Closing the gender pay gap won’t happen by itself—it’ll require concerted efforts from individuals, families, employers, and lawmakers.
Women should feel empowered to negotiate salaries, and men need to step up at home to share the load. Employers can implement paid family leave policies and conduct salary audits to ensure fairness. Legislation like the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 was a step in the right direction, but we can do more. Raising the minimum wage and expanding the Equal Rights Amendment would make a significant difference.
Childcare Shouldn’t Cost an Arm and a Leg.
According to a report from The Childcare Index, in 33 states, the cost of infant care exceeds that of college tuition—$9,589 per year for daycare compared to $9,410 for college. Let that sink in. Families are often caught in a financial bind, as taking time off to raise children can translate to significant lost income, wage growth, and even retirement savings. Solutions like subsidized childcare, tax credits, and better public education can help alleviate this burden.
Healthcare Is a Basic Human Right, Not a Luxury.
While we excel in some areas of healthcare in the U.S., there’s much room for enhancement. Millions lack health insurance, and many cannot afford their deductibles. Postpartum mothers often face neglect in the healthcare system, and insurance companies prioritize profits over patient care. We need to strive for a better, more accessible healthcare system because lives are literally at stake here.
It’s Time to Build Bridges.
It’s painfully clear that we are a divided nation in need of healing. Racism, misogyny, and bigotry are deeply rooted in our society, and these wounds won’t heal on their own. A quick glance at the news can be overwhelming, but doing nothing will yield no results.
Even if the issues seem immense, there are small steps we can take daily to foster a kinder world. We may not solve every problem, but we can always contribute to progress. The work of improving our nation is an ongoing journey. It doesn’t cease with an election or a single candidate; the struggles affecting families and women’s rights persist. There are no easy fixes; this is hard, crucial work.
But I have every confidence that we can tackle this together.
For more insights on how you can support your family through tough times, check out our post on privacy policies. And if you’re looking for ways to boost your fertility, visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Additionally, for a comprehensive understanding of the genetic factors involved in IVF, explore this resource.
Summary:
In summary, while the election may be over, the work to support American families is just beginning. We need to advocate for paid family leave, equal pay, affordable childcare, and accessible healthcare—all vital for fostering a thriving society. Let’s unite for the ongoing journey of progress, recognizing that every small effort counts.