Proposal: Ma/PaTernity Leave Federally paid

OK... This one may seem touchy-feely, but I swear, EVERYTHING really IS inter-related.

I propose that the Federal Government institute a new benefit of federally paid maternity (or paternity) leave. (just like free public schools are a benefit)

Pros:

Help improve the bonding between babies and parents. Help ensure the next generation gets the proper love, attention and care they deserve. (Lack of this could lead to a condition called Reactive Attachment Disorder- See( DSM-IV reference here)

Help ensure that the infant gets the attention, and basic needs met, so that learning will be enhanced, and reinforced.

Parental involvement by both parents is essential for health family development.

Making this a new Federal program will ensure that everyone, especially those who need it most (the poor) will be able to take advantage of it. Since it is mandatory, and paid by the government (via the employer), the poor will be able to take this time off, that is urgent for future child development.

By making this for both fathers and mothers, the Government will be making a huge statement on how important it is for Fathers to take more of a part in the child's life.

Cons:

1. It costs money to government
   
2. More, bigger government.

Inter-connected points:

1. One of the main points of the overall program is to help advance the children of this generation, in advanced learning techniques. This leads to earlier and more formalized learning while in (federally paid) day-care.
2. (Federally paid) Day Care will be a key training center for both inner city and rural communities. This day care will be paid at the rates discussed here in the proposal for a living wage.
3. Training, assistance, as well as staffing will be one of the several development and training plans that will help our Under-utilized and under-employed youth.
4. Training, and advanced items (construction), will also be supplied by the national service corp. (as the alternative to mandatory service).
5. The "Head Start" program has been proven to help improve the ability of children to learn and improve. The Ma/Paternity leave is the initial step in this direction, since day-care starting at six months will directly be feed by the parents who have had this leave program.
   

So. Another reason that we need federally paid day care is that we are no-longer the world leader. Looking here at a survey of maternity leave in European countries, we can see how not nurturing our children will make them less competitive in the future. Looking at this brief list we can see:

• Sweden either parent allowed 60 full days. Parents are allowed another 360 days to be split between the two parents (however the parents choose) until a child turns 8 years-old. The 60 days added to the 360 days equals a total of 420 days to care for children.

• Portugal: Each parent receives a full six months worth of time off before their child turns three. years old which correlates with normal work hours. If you work an average week of 40 hours, the time off would be in relation to that.

So we REALLY need to work to help our country prosper and grow. We need Maternity and Paternity leave to help our next generation of children bond and grow