No, we don't. We don't make them do anything. They are free to pursue whatever course of action they choose to. Many, many parents choose not to go back to work - ever.
I hope it works out great for AMEX and their workers - two private entities that agreed on one detail, among many, of their compensation package. Good for them.
Yes, I do have children - three of them, in fact - thanks for asking!
A government mandate requiring companies to provide paid leave forces (i.e. opposite of choice) everyone else to pay for it.
Again, that's society.
And I see no problem with a government mandate for it. Because that provides "choice" for the new parents. Your way usually denies them that choice.
It's not hidden at all. I am quite privileged as are all of the people in first world economies of which we speak. You (yes, you) are among the top 1% wealthiest of the worlds population.
I have no idea why the children of my comment assume a very, very false dichotomy of working through your child's childhood or becoming destitute. Now, more than ever, there is a huge swath of available and acceptable behavior between those two extremes.
just to flesh this out further, could you provide some examples of what you mean?
Similarly, poverty in the US is brutal. To choose between spending time with your newborn during a crucial time period or becoming impoverished is not a real choice.
I think you're being ridiculous. Of course they can opt-out of going back to work, but in modern society, this means losing your home, lack of food, and probably, getting your child taking away by some form of social services. Unless you're in the very rich 1%.
Agreed.
I don't make parenting decisions for your family. Please don't make them for mine.
I'll be responsible for my decisions, not yours. Thanks.
(Parent of two)
Yes, we do. This ignoring of reality, and what it requires to survive is really damn old.