Carpe Diem

Let's face it, 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA leave time and the virtual nonexistence of affordable, quality, and convenient daycare isn't exactly a recipe for success for parents trying to figure out what to do with Peanut while they're at work. Yet this conundrum doesn't seem to be gaining any ground despite the fact that a household with a working mother is no longer a "new" image. Woman have been increasingly joining the work force for years, and the need for a more family friendly workplace has also been increasing for years. This isn't anything new. It's also never been a political priority, until now. The article linked to below explores the idea of avoiding class and gender cliches in a new generation where the current administration is actually prioritizing the real-life needs of middle and working-class families. It's from the Opinion section, so it is indeed this woman's opinion, but I found a certain inspirational quality to it - a "huh, you're right, we do need to get off our arses and Carpe Diem" kind of moment.

New York Times, Opinion
Judith Warner: Families to Care About
By Judith Warner
Published: March 19, 2009