We, a few of the working mothers and fathers of Australia, would love to take the opportunity to let you know how you could really help out when it comes to making working parents' life a little easier, both financially and culturally, so that we are able to provide the best possible care for our kids, the future leaders and workers of Australia.
Short of hiring yourself out as a male nanny, which probably wouldn't pay you enough and sadly we generally can't claim child care subsidies for nannies or "mannies", there are a few practical and cultural changes you could have a think about instigating while you are at the helm.
Please see below a selection of suggestions from some of your esteemed constituents.
Thanks and regards.
Dear Malcolm,
Wouldn't it be great if all Australian families could access high quality child care when and where they need it at a price they could afford. With increasing evidence to demonstrate the benefits of spending time in early childhood environments it would seem that enabling more children the opportunity to access early childhood services the stronger their foundations for life would be. Acknowledging the vital role of our early childhood educators and carers in this equation is another important objective.
Wouldn't it be great if I could drop my kids off at child care for a couple of hours instead of the whole day when needed, and just pay for that Flexibility!!!
Yours,
Jo Abi, journalist, TV & Press parenting expert, mum of three. @joabi, joabi.com.au
Dear Malcolm,
Wouldn't it be great if women could re-enter the workforce, after having kids, without facing sometimes insurmountable barriers? It would improve the nation's productivity and, frankly, our sanity.
Wouldn't it be great if there was a seismic cultural shift around our attitudes to women in the workforce (and in general)? Not just equal pay (although that would be nice), but incentives for working mums to re-enter the workforce when they're good and ready instead of abandoning years of unrivalled skills and experience, because they see no other option (an adequate PPL scheme, increased benefits for childcare and nannies and flexible working arrangements would be nice too).
Our kids are a great investment in Australia's future. Wouldn't it be great if we could educate them and “future-proof" them for the world they are growing into…? How will kids without role models learn social skills? How will we keep the vulnerable ones safe and get them into more nurturing environments? Let's focus on our kids.
Yours sincerely,
Jen Dalitz
Business Strategist, Writer, Speaker, Facilitator, farmer and mum. @jendalitz
Dear Malcolm,
Wouldn't it be great if we Australians viewed parental leave as parental development leave, PDL for short! PDL would allow the primary carer to take the time they need to nurture and organize their family. When welcomed back to their role it would be acknowledged that their time off had allowed growth of organizational skills, logistics, mental endurance, flexibility, perseverance and calm thinking in an unfamiliar and chaotic environment.
If we can allow parents to take the leave they need without the fear that they will be viewed as having regressed in their career, then we would be encouraging healthy homes and workplaces alike.
Yours,
Ilde Naismith-Beeley
Businesswoman, founder of Starlettos.com.au and mum of three
Dear Malcolm,
Wouldn't it be great if workplaces came out of the dinosaur era and gave more flexible options when it comes to working hours? Like 10am till 2pm? Would make life so much easier for working mothers…
Wouldn't it be great if Dads were regarded by businesses, government and society in general as equally important in the parenting process and therefore not prejudiced in the workplace for wanting to take responsibility for their children.
Many thanks,
Nick Bailey
MD, Livehire.me, Live Talent Community and dad of 2.
Dear Malcolm,
Given the shortage of child care in many areas of Australia, the diverse and complicated needs of ordinary families when it comes to child care and juggling work and family, wouldn't it be great if qualified and registered nannies were deemed "approved child care" the same as family day care or in-home care. There is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't be and the idea that nannies are only for the rich and famous is outdated beyond belief…
Yours truly,
Sophie Cross
Public relations consultant and copywriter @PRChicks and single mum of 1.
If you would like to add your Dear Malcolm ideas and comments, please comment below and let Malcolm know your thoughts…
(Please be aware that inappropriate or offensive comments will not be included)
