The Forgotten Frontline: Why Stay-at-Home Parents Deserve a Seat at the Policy Table

Child care policy has long been a contentious issue in American politics, with many proposals focused on expanding access to external care options. However, this approach often overlooks the significant number of stay-at-home parents who provide primary care to their children. It's time to rethink our approach and recognize the crucial role these parents play in shaping the future of our society. But what exactly do we mean by "stay-at-home parents"? The term is often associated with the stereotype of a stay-at-home mom, but it's far more complex than that. Our survey of nearly 1,300 stay-at-home parents revealed that they are incredibly diverse, with a wide range of political affiliations, demographics, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In fact, 39. 6 percent identified as Republicans, 36. 8 percent as Democrats, and 23. 7 percent as Independents or "Other. " This diversity is often overlooked in national conversations about child care policy. So, what are the challenges faced by stay-at-home parents? Our survey found that they do not feel respected or supported by society, with 57 percent disagreeing with the statement "Stay-at-home parents are respected by society. " This lack of support is reflected in their financial struggles, with 50 percent of respondents saying they could rarely or never meet an unexpected $400 expense without dipping into savings. It's no wonder that 86 percent of stay-at-home parents strongly support policies that would help them balance the financial sacrifices they make. But it's not just about financial support. Stay-at-home parents also need access to affordable healthcare, housing, and retirement options. In fact, our survey found that 85 percent of respondents support making healthcare more affordable, 84 percent support making housing more affordable, and 82 percent support securing a path to retirement.One of the most striking findings from our survey was the need for child care among stay-at-home parents. Despite providing primary care to their children, 27 percent of our respondents were employed, either part- or full-time. Nearly 60 percent reported needing child care several times a month, if not more frequently, yet 40 percent said they "rarely" or "almost never" had access to the care they needed. So, what can policymakers do to support stay-at-home parents? The solutions are not one-size-fits-all, but rather require a nuanced understanding of the diverse needs of this population. For example, some stay-at-home parents may benefit from direct cash payments, while others may need access to community programs or childcare options. The good news is that there is a growing recognition of the importance of supporting stay-at-home parents. Senator Marco Rubio's recent bill, which would increase funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and offer moms and dads more choices in what form of child care to use, is a step in the right direction. Similarly, progressive proposals, such as Social Security "caregiver credits," offer a way to boost the safety net for parents who take time out of the workforce to care for their children. However, more must be done to comprehensively explore the needs of stay-at-home parents and create solutions for this critical group. As policymakers, we must work across party lines to develop policies that recognize the value of stay-at-home parents and provide them with the support they need to thrive.