Time for Parenting...

...because raising children is a full-time job

May 2001 Newsletter

Editorial; Daycare Damage; In Your Own Words; What The Papers Say; "Children: A Financial Forfeit"; Your Letters

Editorial

As we go to press, it seems likely that this newsletter will reach you during an election campaign. I hope it will make a refreshing contrast from the stream of party-political literature landing on your doormat. But I also hope that you will all take the opportunity to question your local candidates on their views about motherhood, family policy, and the needs of young children.

Perhaps those candidates will be able to tell you whether they support the present tax regime, in which one-breadwinner families pay more tax on their family income than dual-earners. Do they think that it is in the interests of young children that institutional daycare receives Government subsidies which are not available to families caring for their own children? Do they support transferable tax allowances for non-earning wives (or husbands)?

Don't wait for the politicians to raise these issues - they will probably avoid them! But try to find out what they propose to offer full-time mothers before you cast your vote.

Setting politics aside, the two main themes of this issue are child development (looking at recent research and comment) and sharing members' experiences sent to us via our leaflets, website and emails.

Finally, heartfelt thanks to all those members who responded to our Winter newsletter and returned their renewal forms and subscriptions, as well as many generous donations. If you haven't sent yours in yet, please don't delay any longer- we depend on your subscriptions if we are to continue to represent you. Thank you for your support.

Jill Kirby, Chair