Get Ready, Everyone! There’s Plenty to Accomplish to Support American Families

The marathon of the longest election cycle has finally reached the finish line. Regardless of your feelings—whether you’re ecstatic, disheartened, anxious, furious, optimistic, or just relieved to escape the barrage of political ads for a while—one undeniable truth remains: there’s a mountain of work ahead of us.

The challenges that families face don’t simply disappear; they evolve over time. Mere slogans about “family values” and “work-life balance” hold little weight when our nation fails to take substantial action to ensure that American families can truly thrive. At the moment, far too many families are merely scraping by, leaving little room for actual flourishing.

While the election might be behind us, our commitment to advocating for equality, justice, and safety is a continuous journey. So, let’s dive in!

Here are several areas where we can begin making a difference:

Immediate Need for Paid Family Leave

The United States is lagging behind when it comes to maternity leave policies. Currently, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 allows new parents to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave after welcoming a child without jeopardizing their job—provided they meet specific criteria. Notably, this law only applies to larger employers, leaving many families without any form of leave. The financial burden can be crippling, as paid family leave is essential for families to truly benefit from it. The U.S. stands alone among 41 countries in not requiring paid leave, and this gap is detrimental to us all.

Experts like Dr. Linda Carter, a pediatric specialist, argue that the 12-week period should ideally be extended to six months or more to truly support new parents in adjusting to life with their child.

Equal Pay for Equal Work

It’s a glaring fact: women earn less than men. According to the National Women’s Organization, women typically earn about 23% less than their male counterparts, with the disparity being even starker for women of color. Discussions around this issue won’t fix the problem; we must take action.

With nearly half of all two-parent households relying on both parents to work full-time, and many mothers being the primary earners, underpaying women ultimately affects entire families. Closing the gender pay gap requires a collective effort from individuals, families, employers, and government entities. Empowering women to negotiate salaries is crucial, and men must share domestic duties to level the playing field.

Employers can implement paid family leave and regularly assess their pay structures to ensure fairness. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was a meaningful first step, but there’s more ground to cover, including raising the minimum wage and supporting the Equal Rights Amendment.

Childcare Shouldn’t Cost a Fortune

According to a report from The Care Index, in 33 states, the cost of infant care exceeds that of college tuition. This shocking reality leaves many families trapped in a dilemma where they must choose between financial stability and child-rearing. Solutions like subsidized childcare, tax credits, and comprehensive public education can help alleviate this pressure.

Healthcare: A Fundamental Right

While we have made strides in healthcare, significant gaps persist. Millions of Americans lack health insurance, and many cannot afford their deductibles. The treatment of postpartum mothers often leaves much to be desired. The healthcare system, which prioritizes profits over people, remains needlessly complicated. We must advocate for reforms to ensure that healthcare is accessible to all.

Building Connections

Our nation is deeply divided, and healing is urgently needed. Racism, misogyny, and bigotry are woven into the fabric of society, and these issues won’t resolve themselves. With challenges that may feel insurmountable, we can still take small actions every day to promote kindness and understanding.

The work of improving our communities and advancing our collective future doesn’t cease with an election or depend on a single leader. The issues that impact families and women’s rights are ongoing and require dedication. This is hard work—important work—but I wholeheartedly believe we are capable of rising to the occasion.

For more insights on navigating these challenges, you can explore this resource on home insemination and check out Make a Mom’s guide for expert advice on family planning. Additionally, Facts About Fertility provides valuable information for those looking to expand their families.

In summary, there’s much to be done to support American families, from advocating for paid family leave and equal pay to addressing the high costs of childcare and healthcare. Let’s get to work!