#ParentsUp, a new parent-led campaign initiated by The Parenthood, is calling for a better deal for children.
BY GEORGIE DENT, THE PARENTHOOD
Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest joys; it’s a wonderful, life-changing experience. But it isn’t always easy.
Every parent wants to raise healthy, thriving children and give them the best start in life. But to do that, parents need support. That’s why supporting children starts with supporting their parents and carers.
Children do best when their parents and carers can make ends meet and take care of them.
Right now too many families, parents and children are missing out on the support they need to thrive. At The Parenthood we’re campaigning to change that and deliver a better deal for children, mums, dads and families.
What does that look like?
A much better deal for children and families starts with:
1. One year of paid parental leave to be shared between parents; and
2. Universal access to quality, inclusive early childhood education and care.
These policies are the “roads and bridges” that enable mums and dads to be there for their children and provide for their family. Without them, parents, carers and children are stranded trying to build their own roads and bridges to get between home and work. You can’t go to work if you don’t have a road to get there. You can’t go to work if you don’t have an affordable and safe place for your child. We don’t expect commuters to create their own train lines or bus systems to get into the office but that’s what parents and carers do day after day.
Parents and carers are forced to piece together a patchwork arrangement that does the job but is very difficult. For many, it’s impossible.
“Supporting children starts with supporting their parents and carers. Unfortunately, Australia lags the developed world in the provision of policies that are proven to improve outcomes for children and families.”
But change is possible! And so worthwhile! A decent paid parental leave scheme and access to quality early childhood education and care would dramatically improve outcomes for children, boost the mental health and wellbeing of parents, reduce inequality and drive economic growth!
Aussie parents deserve access to a paid parental leave system that gives them a choice about how they share the care and work. Right now very few Aussie dads get that choice - which can make life much harder for mums, kids and dads.
Love alone doesn’t pay the rent or the mortgage so when a baby arrives it’s hard for families to get by on one income. Raising a child takes a village and expecting that one parent can do all the caring and another parent can do all the earning isn’t realistic. Supporting parents - not just mums - to choose how they share the care is a win-win. For kids, parents, families AND the economy.
“It is time to deliver a better deal for children.”
Access to totally affordable quality early childhood education and care is a rare silver bullet. It sets children up for lifelong success. One in 5 children in Australia arrive at school behind and once they’re behind they rarely - if ever - catch up. Attending quality early learning before school halves the chances. It changes lives!
Totally affordable early learning also gives mums and dads true “choice” about how and when they work. It also boosts the nation’s bottom line because it enables more Australians to work.
These policies are winners for children, parents, families AND the economy. If you agree it’s time for a better deal for Aussie families join The Parenthood’s #ParentsUp! campaign. You can sign the petition here, find out more here & follow us on social media here
