A working parent is one who is both employed in the workforce and performs duties as a childcare provider. Women now make up about half our workforce and more than 70% of these workers are mothers of children under the age of 18. In addition to earning substantially less than women who are childless, working mothers face additional challenges. Some must explain to employers their reasons for being absent, late or working from home when their child is sick or has a snow-day. Some say that although mothers have flourished in work environments, women still feel pressure from stereotypical gender assumptions of being the prime care-takers of children. If true, this pressure is manifested in the time schedules of most working moms, for whom personal time and space are rare luxuries. Most would agree it is very difficult balancing the demands of a job with those of a family. Job requirements, work-related events, and travel often conflict with the demands of maintaining a household, helping with homework, nursing an ill child, or attending school, sports and family activities. Advocates say flexible working hours make a big difference to working moms.

Proposed legislation: Reintroduction of S.247 - Working Families Flexibility Act of 2021
Prospective Sponsor: Sen. Mike Lee (UT)

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