Does America want Moms to stay at home?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2005
Does America want Moms to stay at home?
987
Mon, 12-12-2005 - 11:28am
It was actually dh that suggested that America (gov't I suppose) wants Moms to stay at home. From what I have learned from these boards daycare is hideously expensive and maternity leave is very short. Many have said they couldn't afford to work because of daycare costs. Compare this to Canada where we have $7 a day daycare and Quebec is increasing maternity leave to 2 years at 55% pay or 1 year at 75% pay in January. With the $7 a day daycare Moms can easily afford to work, and with the paid maternity leave Moms can easily afford to stay home. It seems that in the states you're 'forced' into situations because it's your only option. Can't afford daycare? Stay at home. Maternity leave too short or have to work to support the family? Go back to work. Would any of you prefer if it would be easier financially to make either decision like it seems to be in Canada or are you fine with how it is?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-11-2005
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 5:07pm

yes! once again cm, right on the money!

thank you.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-18-2004
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 5:08pm
Yes.
Pay taxes, have access to the legal protections offered here.

Mondo

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2003
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 5:09pm
I just don't think any child deserves to be sick and not be able to go to the doctor, no matter who their parents are. Heck, I don't think a person deserves to be sick and not be able to go to the doctor. Healthcare costs are VERY prohibitive.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-1999
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 5:09pm

It's not just about hard work, CM, education comes into play as well. As Meldi pointed out, anyone can pick an apple. Is a 16 hour day picking apples strenuous? Is it hard work? Sure it is. But just about anyone could do it. Therefore, apple pickers are compensated on the bottom of the pay scale. OTOH, your husband is a mechanic. That is a skill. He can fix cars. I can't fix cars. My DH can't fix cars. But your DH can. He has a skill that others don't, so he's paid accordingly.

My DH is a financial planner. He advises people how to invest their income to save for things like retirement, college funds, etc. In addition to his college degree, he had to take numerous classes and pass several tests to be able to do this. B/c of the level of expertise required and the hours he puts in (since he works on straight commission), my DH is compensated accordingly.

I suspect that PNJ makes more $$$ than my DH, despite working 45 hr weeks to his 90. She's got a law degree, which means she has more education than DH. Therefore, she is compensated accordingly.

It's the basis of our whole economy.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-1999
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 5:10pm
I totally agree with you. Our current immigration system drives me bananas.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2005
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 5:13pm

Because the government/tax dollars pays for those leaves.

many of the programs suggested for implementation in the US in recent years have the companies themselves paying for those leaves.

And I know we were talking in general in this discussion about govt-paid leaves, but I dont' think the US will *ever* do that; but I can certainly see them implementing a mandatory, company-paid leave policy.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-1999
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 5:13pm
Mine claims it doesn't, but it's been covering it since July. I can't explain it, don't understand it, but am not complaining about it!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-1999
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 5:15pm
Eh, all good Conservatives are a few steps away from being a Libtertarian...that title doesn't bother me at all.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-27-2005
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 5:22pm

Fair enough. For the companies, there are some interesting side benefits to the long parental leaves paid for by the government.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-2004
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 5:24pm
Most people today don't have 3 to 6 months savings; they should but they don't. Are the kids supposed to quit eating because the parents didn't plan ahead? In that situation, I'd definitely max out a credit card. The house would take two cosigners to sell; what if dd doesn't cooperate? What if spending has already been cut to the bone? And even if you had 3 to 6 months savings, would you rely on that to cover you and your kids for 3 to 6 months if your health insurance were gone?

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