Greetings!
Take a look at the other topics covered in this issue:
Best wishes,
The National Association of Mothers' Centers (NAMC) provides programs that empower mothers, fathers and caregivers to find solutions that work for their families, their work lives and their personal lives.
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Are Women Better Suited To Housework?
Both political parties contribute to gender inequality and exploit the difference between men's and women's economic status to reinforce a political structure that fails parents and children, according to Salon's "Devaluing Care Work - And Women". Paid sick days legislation, and getting home health aides the same protection other workers have, continue to fail in state assemblies and still don't register in national politics. Why? Because care work is done mostly by women, often for free, is poorly regarded, and it's women who pay the price if a family member falls ill or child has to stay home. We've shown a real lack of desire in pushing for national policies that would improve our status at home.
As Jessica Valenti writes in her new book, "Why Have Kids, "Mommy blogs organize to take down diaper ads but are largely silent on the lack of paid maternity leave. They'll complain about unfair division of labor at home yet rarely link their husband's dirty laundry to the larger political system that tells women they're better suited for housework."
The NAMC, this eNews and Your (Wo)Man in Washington, at least, don't fall into this category. Another aspect of NAMC's work is making a business case that offering good work/life options is a good business practice and that it's important for women (and almost every employee) who bear the brunt of home and child-rearing responsibilities.
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Parenting Leaves a Lasting Impression
More data is emerging about the link between a child's earliest years and long terms effects on the brain and cognitive development. The Washington Post's "On Parenting" blog has highlighted recent research showing that exposure to stress, for example, or language can impact brain size and development. The parents' educational level has much to do with the degree of cognitive stimulation the child will experience. With the data mounting, ensuring that parents have access to the resources they need for economic security and effective parenting should be a public priority. You can find the posts here and here.
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Usually when we talk about the the "gender gap" we mean the inequality between what men and women earn at work. But there's a whole different meaning every four years in November - the difference between how men and women vote. It's not a new phenomenon, and it directly effects how an election turns out. If forecasts prove correct, the gender gap in the presidential election may reach an all-time high this year. The New York Times has a great article with fabulous graphics. And it supports my theory that gender makes a difference in everything.
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Your Gift Makes a Difference for Families Mothers' Centers have helped thousands of families: - Make friends
- Learn from each other
- Find needed support
- Advocate for our children's needs
- Discover valuable resources
- Find creative ways to manage work and family responsibilities
- And so much more!
Please consider making a tax-deductable donation to the National Association of Mothers' Centers today. Thank you for making a difference! |