We’re having fewer and fewer kids in the U.S. In fact, we’ve reached record-low numbers. But here’s the question: should we care?

I am talking to sociologist Dr Jennifer Glass to explain the trend and reveal the most puzzling piece about it all. 

Dr Glass is a Sociology Professor at the, University of Texas and the Executive Director at the Council on Contemporary Families. This is her life work. She’s done the research, commissioned the studies, looked at the trends and will break it all down. 

As she tells me, we have a system where “mom just picks up the slack”. But, moms are fed up and starting to say NO. 

We can’t call ourselves a family-friendly country if our policies don’t support the family and if money and power continue to go to those who ignore their families. 

So, what’s our path forward? 

Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more:

 * Low Birth Rates and Family Policy | 0:00:52 - 0:02:36 

* Global Concerns About Declining Birth Rates | 0:07:51 - 0:09:29

* Support for Families | 0:14:26 - 0:15:47

* Rethinking Office Metrics for Remote Work | 0:20:20 - 0:21:32 

* Tax Pinch vs Social Insurance | 0:23:12 - 0:23:47

* Shared Responsibility for Family Leave | 0:26:30 - 0:27:28 

* Lack of Family-Friendly Policies | 0:31:36 - 0:32:36 

* American Individualism Impact on Children | 0:35:57 - 0:37:21 

SUMMARY:

In this insightful episode, Paula and Dr. Stephanie Glass highlight the challenges families face due to inadequate family-friendly policies, comparing U.S. approaches to those in Europe. Dr. Glass emphasizes the need for systemic changes to bolster families and the economy, offering hope through collaborative efforts and community-driven solutions.  

LINKS: 

Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Glass 

Council on Contemporary Families 

https://sites.utexas.edu/contemporaryfamilies/

THE CARRY ALL NEWSLETTER by and for working moms

https://carrymedia.com/the-carry-all/ 

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