randomWalks

Although tinkering with the tax code can help, we should start including child rearing in the GDP. Many European nations, including Britain and France, count care giving in their GDP, and offer a "salary" to parents of the very young. Based on that model, a similar child allowance here, paid directly to all caregivers, would virtually eliminate the "why doesn't she have to work syndrome" and really end "welfare as we know it." A child allowance given to all parents is truly "mommy neutral." The money can be used to pay for child care if parents work outside the home or offset bills if one parent stays home.

Still, many people will balk at the idea and ask, 'isn't it the parents' choice to have children? Why should my tax money go to help parents?' To which I say, yes, having children is a choice. It's also a commitment to a 'job' that adds economic value to society. And people choose all kinds of careers. Should a doctor or teacher work for free because that is what he chose? As for why we should support children with our taxes, the main reason is that it's an investment in everyone's future, not just theirs. Today's one-year-olds will someday fund the social security of today's 35-year-olds.

We are a wealthy nation with misplaced values. We could easily channel our money into raising children. It's all about what we value.

What is the value of childrearing?

[link courtesy of Rebecca's Pocket]