Parenting under capitalism

5 months ago I became a parent. It is an incredible change, one that everyone has something to say about. Either how your life is now over or how you need to say goodbye to vacations for the next few years. Some offer words of encouragement and joy, but more typically people ask how you are handling some of the less than fun joys of parenting. My partner and I for the most part have learned to ignore the advice we don't agree with, correct those who seem to believe our lives have now taken a turn for the worse and just enjoy our son.

But it is hard to ignore the overwhelming belief that parenting in this country has little reward and wonder why. We have learned quickly how little support there is for new parents unless you are willing to pay for it. All the new mother or new parent classes or groups that could provide support cost hundreds of dollars. Maternity leave for the most part is unpaid and while the family medical leave act (FMLA) gives you the right to take maternity leave, this is only is you are a full time employee. Most hourly employees are not even covered by FMLA and if they are, they are unfamiliar with the law or are unable to afford to take unpaid maternity leave. Hence the harsh reality of parenting in this country- you continue to have to work hard to make ends meat while also carrying for an infant whose is always in need of something. If you are a single parent, then demand is even greater as there is no one else to take turns doing the middle of the night feedings or diaper changes. It is no wonder why most people are unable to enjoy their time with a young child and simply see it as another job with no pay. How sad that such a joyous event can be turned into such a burden simply because under capitalism, we cannot accommodate a system that allows new parents to spend time as a family adjusting to the new demands of having a small infant without the added difficulty of working everyday. That we lack the social structure to give new parents a break, creating a 24-hour nonstop workday for many parents in this country.