Ironically, family issues kept a number of
interested parties away last night, so I have
summarized our discussion. and have provided a
preview of the October program (Thurs. Oct. 23, 5-7
pm, Nifkin Lounge, family friendly potluck supper!)
So,
what does
it take to balance work and family?
Participants reported: organization, flexible
scheduling, a sense of humor, family planning,
reliable child care, a supportive partner, and good
friends or family with whom you can share some adult
conversation while the kids play (which we witnessed
first hand, as our three youngest participants
alternately colored quietly and ran laps around the
Lounge!). We also noted the trend of parents
waiting longer to start families, both here and
abroad, and touched on the continuing trend of teen
parents, and speculated on the class and educational
differences between the two groups.
The
discussion focused most heavily on social support of child-rearing, which is much advanced in Scandinavian
countries, just starting in Korea where birth rates
have been declining, and actually somewhat ahead of
the US. The Korean system permits a small
stipend for parental leave during the first year
(currently about 20% of the average salary); only 78
dads took advantage of the program last year while
thousands of moms used their maternity leave.
The next version of this policy looks toward making
the leave a percentage of income rather than a flat
rate. In the US, the leave permitted by the
Family Leave Act is unpaid, and thus is only really
available to those of higher income. European
models are far more family-friendly and either
support parental (maternal or paternal, often the
family's decision) care for children during their
first year or longer or adequately funded daycare
facilities until children reach school-age.
We'd
like to thank Heejae Kim, who took the time to look
up the statistics of the new Korean programs and the
Sadler Memorial Garden Committee for letting us
scavenge for produce for the potluck. As a
result of your generosity and JoAnne Ellis's
creativity, we enjoyed ratatouille and a platter of
delicious sweet peppers and beans. Cooperation
in action--how fitting for a balancing themed
semester!
