If America wants to be the greatest nation in the world, it
needs to take a little less time policing other countries and start
establishing a code of non-religious ethics that directly benefit the overall
health of its citizens. One of those things is Maternal/Paternal leave after
the birth or adoption of a child. In terms of other developed nations the USA
doesn’t even rank. There is no required parental leave.
Even though science has long revealed the benefits of
parental leave both for the child and the parents, America has not made any
advances at all.
In a country where the fight against gender norms and
stereotypes is incredibly prevalent legislation which requires a parental leave
would only help and encourage good things. It would allow both men and women to share in
the caring of that child without the worry that their job won’t be there when
they go back. In Sweden parents have 480 days of paid leave to use anytime
between the birth of that child and the child’s eighth birthday. This is not necessarily
the answer for America, but to reward employed members of society by allowing
them to have an early influence on their children doesn’t seem like too much to
ask.
In America the teen suicide rate, and violence in schools,
as well as other emotional problems plague the youth, this could be decreased
by allowing parents to do their most important job; forming the citizens and
adults of tomorrow into functioning human beings.
