12 Realities That Make America Less Than Ideal for Raising a Family
Mercy KamburaThis post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Despite the numerous attractions in the United States of America, it may not always be the top choice for those prioritizing family-friendliness. While many find the appeal of living in the USA undeniable, there is a prevailing perception that it might not be the ideal destination for individuals seeking a secure and peaceful environment to nurture their children.
A 2020 survey showed the USA ranking way below other nations of the same economic power. These are the reasons why you may need to rethink bringing your kids up in America.
1. No Time Off For Working Parents
America doesn’t have a universal law that allows parents to get paid leave, making child care very expensive and difficult.
Dr Jody Heymann, a University of California, Los Angeles professor of public health and contributor to the UN’s report on family-friendly policies, says, “One of the biggest, gaping holes in [in the US] is the lack of paid parental leave.”
2. High Cost of Living
The amount of money an American home needs to survive in a month is untenable for most families. Many people have to take multiple jobs to maintain a simple lifestyle.
3. Unsafe Environment Due to Gun Violence
A lot of gun violence in America is meted out against school children and mass shootings in public places, and this is a major concern for many people.
The report said, “In 2019, there were at least 45 school shootings in the US and guns – accidentally or intentionally – are the second leading cause of death for children in the US.”
4. High Childcare Costs
Because many parents can’t afford to stay home and care for their children, paid childcare is necessary in the USA. Unfortunately, this essential service is prohibitively expensive, making it difficult for families to access reliable care for their children.
Childcare expenses are a strong contraceptive for many.
5. Limited Access to Affordable Healthcare
American family budgets are strained to the maximum, and the greatest pull is the high cost of healthcare. Many have to pay insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Most families can’t access necessary medical care, especially if you don’t have comprehensive health insurance.
6. Inadequate Education Funding
While education is generally easily accessible for Americans, it’s not the same quality of education everywhere. There are glaring disparities in education funding across different regions of the country, resulting in unequal educational opportunities for children.
The poor end up getting poorer, as the opportunities rarely trickle down to them.
7. Income Inequality
The land of the free struggles with bridging the income gap, with some learning a ton while other families have way less than they need to survive.
Poverty makes life harder for all-around development and can feel like an uphill battle to get out of.
8. Limited Access to Affordable Housing
Getting an affordable house spacious enough to comfortably fit an average American family is a dream many families don’t wake up from.
This leads to overcrowded or unstable living situations, and in such set-ups, crime rates skyrocket.
9. Maternal and Child Health Care
Despite being a wealthy nation, the U.S. faces maternal and child health challenges. Compared to other developed countries, maternal mortality rates are higher.
Pregnant mothers and infants face inconsistent quality healthcare.
10. Unreachable Higher Education
Most American kids aspiring to join a college or university have to contend with almost inevitable student debt.
Starting your corporate life with colossal student debt is discouraging and one way to have a shackle on your life.
11. Toppling Work-Life Balance
The U.S. often has a culture that prioritizes long work hours and limited vacation time. It’s difficult for parents to spend quality time with their children and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Something has to give, and it’s usually the kids that suffer.
12. Hustle Mentality
The US has embodied a hustle, do whatever it takes, mentality. This doesn’t bode well for parents who now want to prioritize raising the next generation but are often ridiculed if they slow down for the sake of their children at the expense of their lofty career goals.
30 Birth Stories That Labor Can Have Its Hilarious Moments
Are you prepared for a bit of humor? Childbirth, while undeniably gratifying, can also be an arduous and occasionally painful process. With the physical discomfort, emotional roller coasters, and the multitude of choices to be made, it’s hardly astonishing that countless mothers and fathers discover themselves in hilariously awkward scenarios during delivery!
30 Birth Stories That Labor Can Have Its Hilarious Moments
30 Ridiculous Baby Names That Will Be Mispronounced for the Rest of a Child’s Life
Choosing a name for a newborn is a weighty responsibility for new parents, as it wields a profound influence on a child’s identity. Yet, what unfolds when the selected name emerges as undeniably cringe-worthy? Some parents go to great lengths to deviate from tradition, occasionally venturing into the domain of bewilderment, which leaves others puzzled and scratching their heads.
30 Ridiculous Baby Names That Will Be Mispronounced for the Rest of a Child’s Life
How to Be a Good Mother: 16 Practical Tips
Being a mom is one of the world’s most important, challenging, and rewarding jobs. It’s also one of the most difficult to define. What does it mean to be a good mother? There are as many answers to that question, but none of them have anything to do with striving for perfection or doing more.
How to Be a Good Mother: 16 Practical Tips
Do You Know Your Birth Month Flowers? A Fun Way to Celebrate Birthdays
You might know your birthstone or your zodiac sign. You might even have a few pieces of jewelry with your stone or secretly browse your horoscope in a monthly magazine. But did you know people have birth flowers?
Do You Know Your Birth Month Flowers? A Fun Way to Celebrate Birthdays
12 Most Popular Baby Girl Names
Selecting a name for your baby girl from this list of 12 options almost guarantees that she will share her name with at least one of her classmates. These names are incredibly popular, making them common choices among parents.
Nikoletta Sipos
Heidi Bender
Aqsa Salam