Anne-Marie Slaughter's article in the Atlantic back in August called for some policy changes to help women in the workplace. Though the article initially caused a stir, I haven't heard much since. One change I fully support that would benefit all working parents of both sexes is in the school schedule and before and after school care. Why do those in elementary school start school so late and those in high school start so early -- not only is it against natural sleep rhythms for their ages, it wreaks havoc on parents' work schedules. Parents have to find care often on both ends of the day since showing up at work at 9:30 after the youngest catches the bus or leaving work at 3:00 aren't really options. Schools could offer an extended day option to cover before and after school, where kids could have choices to do homework, art projects, read, etc. The cost for this should at the very least be subsidized by the government since not everyone can afford it.
We have to complain loudly to local and national officials that the current system isn't working for us and propose some good alternatives!
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