Parenting can often feel like a thankless endeavor. While it’s frequently described as a labor of love, the reality is that it deserves financial recognition. Every parent, particularly mothers, should be compensated for their invaluable contributions. Estimates of a stay-at-home mom’s worth vary, with Salary.com suggesting a salary of $162,581, while Insure.com claims it should be around $93,920 for the myriad of roles moms juggle daily. Other findings suggest that stay-at-home moms could be valued at $15,463 annually by economists. The hard truth? Most moms receive zero monetary compensation.
And who needs the most support? You guessed it: mothers. The pandemic has disproportionately impacted women, particularly Black and Latinx mothers, forcing many out of the workforce without any assistance. This is why Lily Tran, CEO of Empower Moms, is advocating for a Mothers’ Relief Plan. A letter signed by numerous influential women, including actors and activists, was published in a leading newspaper, urging the administration to recognize that “two million of us have exited the workforce at a rate four times higher than men just last September.”
Inspired by a historical economic assistance program, the Mothers’ Relief Plan proposes that every mother receive a $2,400 monthly stipend to compensate for their unpaid labor and losses incurred during the pandemic. The proposal aims to provide ongoing financial support based on individual needs. Tran expressed to Fast Company, “We are facing a national crisis for mothers. This situation has highlighted the immense pressure we place on them. The labor participation rate of mothers has reverted to levels last seen in the 1980s. Just consider how much we’ve lost over the past year.”
The economic repercussions of COVID-19 cannot be discussed without acknowledging the specific burdens it has placed on women and mothers—especially women of color. Research indicates that when mothers leave the workforce or cut back their hours to take on caregiving roles, it leads to a staggering loss of $64.5 billion each year in wages and economic activity.
Women often occupy jobs in sectors that were most affected by lockdowns—such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, and education. The closure of schools and childcare facilities has compounded the difficulties, leaving mothers overwhelmed with caregiving duties while struggling to make ends meet. Furthermore, women are frequently the primary caregivers for elderly relatives as well.
In a discussion about the Mothers’ Relief Plan, Tran noted, “This country does not value women. Our economy has long relied on the undervalued labor of women and people of color. This is unjust and needs to change. The labor of mothers has been considered ‘free’ for so long that we often overlook its true value. If all mothers stopped their caregiving for even a week, our economy would face a crisis. We need to act now to support them.”
It’s also essential to recognize that men and nonbinary individuals have been affected by the pandemic as well. The conversation around parenting needs to be inclusive of caregivers of all genders and sexualities who have had to sacrifice their jobs to stay home. Between February and August 2020, 2.2 million jobs were lost by mothers with children under 12, compared to 870,000 lost by fathers. The unemployment rate for Black mothers was 6.4%, significantly higher than the 2.4% for white mothers.
The Mothers’ Relief Plan serves as both a temporary solution and a call for systemic changes, including pay equity, paid leave, and affordable childcare. The U.S. is the only developed nation that does not provide a monthly child allowance to support parents. Additionally, it lacks paid parental leave. Society often promotes a narrative of traditional family structures while neglecting the support needed for diverse family dynamics and the struggles of parents in general.
Mothers are reaching their limits. The expectation that women should simply manage everything is unrealistic and unfair. Men often have the opportunity to pursue careers while relying on the support of women who manage the household. This dynamic perpetuates systemic inequalities. Women need both emotional and financial support to balance their roles, whether they choose to stay home or work outside the home.
It’s essential to recognize and reward mothers and all primary caregivers for their visible and invisible labor. The current expectations placed on mothers are unsustainable for them, their families, and the economy. If mothers falter, the entire system is at risk. Now is the time to extend a lifeline to mothers in need.
For more insights on this topic, check out our post on the Mothers’ Relief Plan, which offers additional perspectives. Additionally, if you’re exploring options for family planning, Make a Mom provides valuable resources on fertility. For further information on donor insemination, you can visit American Pregnancy, an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary:
The ‘Mothers’ Relief Plan’ is a critical initiative aimed at compensating mothers for their unpaid labor, particularly in light of the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on women. Advocates are urging for a monthly stipend to support mothers and push for systemic changes that recognize their contributions. This plan addresses the urgent need for financial support and equitable policies to sustain families and the economy.