Our government has the power to pass legislation that would help every person find a balance between work and family, ultimately enriching the lives of our citizens.
First, we should have mandatory paid leave for new parents, whether they are adopting or giving birth. Some companies offer it, but it should be government mandated. The three unpaid months given to us by FMLA is not nearly enough. Every new parent (female or male) should not have to go back to work immediately after bringing a new child into their family unless they choose to.

Secondly, the government should give subsidies to help families, especially single parents, for quality childcare. Even two parent households need two incomes (sometimes working two jobs) to make a living. Often most of one parent’s wage will go completely to childcare, this care sometimes being inadequate because that is all they can afford. One option is on site childcare, a benefit being that a mother could breastfeed her child during her breaks.

Thirdly, these benefits should not just be reserved for those with families. Those who do not have families should have some benefits of balancing work and family as well, giving paid leave for not just maternity/paternity, but for mental and physical well being.

Name: Amanda Knittel Herman