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Five pain points that parents face
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The first three years. Around 85% of the human brain is formed in the first three years of life. Yet the US is failing to give children, families, and caregivers the support that they need during those crucial early years, says pediatric surgeon and author Dr. Dana Suskind in a new book, Parent Nation: Unlocking Every Child’s Potential, Fulfilling Society’s Promise. On average, an OECD nation invests roughly $14,000 each year caring for a toddler. The US, meanwhile, spends approximately $500 per toddler. [NPR] |
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Signs of burnout. Two-thirds of working parents in the US are burned out, reveals a new report. Parents are so exhausted that many feel like they’re running on empty. To recognize parental burnout, look for red flags, such as fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of anger or resentment, says one psychiatrist. Burned out parents might also daydream about leaving their home life behind. Frazzled parents—those suffering from mild or moderate burnout—can fight off more serious exhaustion by asking for help, practicing self-compassion, and taking breaks. [NYT] |
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Why parents walk away from work. In the US, working parents have long struggled to find high-quality, affordable childcare, but the past two years have only intensified that challenge. Recent McKinsey research shows that 45% of moms with the youngest kids who dropped out of the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic said that childcare was a major reason. Many parents are experienced employees who support their coworkers’ health and well-being. When they leave, organizations lose their expertise, institutional knowledge, and managerial skills.
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How to keep them. The good news is that companies that offer help with childcare can attract and retain more workers. Around 50% of respondents said the top reason they would choose one job over another is having the ability to work flexibly, reveals a McKinsey survey of more than 2,000 working parents. Those with preschool-aged children overwhelmingly said that childcare benefits would be a big factor in their decision to stay with a company. Understand
five pain points that working parents face in securing childcare, along with how companies can help.
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| — Edited by Belinda Yu |
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