General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: what do childfree/childless people get instead of "parental leave?" [View all]Blasphemer
(3,261 posts)As long as the concept of family is generously applied. "Family" leave should include close friends, pets, and the individual themself and not be limited to blood relations. As a childless person, I've needed personal time due to grief and mental health issues, which I believe comprehensive paid workers' leave should include. That said, I wouldn't have a problem if the initial law was limited to children and blood relations. I know it will be a journey to get us to where the rest of the industrialized world is, and I do believe in giving special attention to the next generation. Especially as I have seen my relatives who have children struggle and be forced to make almost impossible decisions while trying to do what's best for those children. I also do not believe there is such a thing as absolute equity. Nor that their needs to be. If someone I worked with had a child, special needs relative, mental health crises, deaths of loved ones while I had none of the above, I would be perfectly fine if that individual received the time to care for themselves and their family that they needed. I would need no comparable compensation because I would have no need for it. I would hope we can care for those in most need without feeling owed by the system in some way.