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The '08 Presidential candidates are beginning to discuss the family-friendly aspects of their platforms. Hillary Clinton, for one, has voiced her support of paid parental leave and expanded FMLA benefits, as well as grants for workplace flexibility leaders and an end to job discrimination for parents. We look forward to learning the details of her work/family proposals and those of her opponents in the coming months.

But to us, the exciting part of these political 'promises' is that they are being considered. We know that sounds somewhat pathetic, since we want so much more than just consideration for the lives of working parents. The reality, however, is that we're far from getting all the workplace benefits that would make equal sharing (or any family arrangement) a snap to orchestrate - but the fact that candidates are speaking up about the need for these benefits is a direct reflection on how America is changing. The Parent Agenda is important now! Thanks to all the Generation X/Y balance seekers who are having children, we have ourselves a critical mass!

The excitement for the political can't go too far though. The really good stuff in Hillary's platform is years away - for example, she proposes to implement the paid parental leave program by 2016. Many of us won't need it by then, or will need it far less than we need it today. We say DON'T WAIT for political change to make the life you want possible. Be a part of the fight for it on a political level, but direct the biggest part of your fight internally - in your own workplace, neighborhood and soul. Imagine the life you want, then go get it. Even if it takes you moving mountains, such as changing your job, career and home. You and your family are what counts!


The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of MomsRising.org.

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