A Mother’s View
by Amanda Ostrander, Tallahassee, FL
It is easy to get lost in numbers, seeing policy impacts instead of children. As a staff member of the Children’s Campaign, and as a young mother, I have the chance to see both. The numbers can be staggering, but when they transform into the face of my 16- month-old son they are hard to fathom.
These economic times are hard for everyone; parents especially are trying to stretch their dollars to do more with less, so their children still have all of the opportunities they deserve. Every time I read another article about the budget being balanced on children’s backs, it feels like my hard earned dollar shrinks.
By the time my son is in pre-k, will he have 25 children in his class because it costs less? Will he go to a public school that focuses only on math and reading and have a sub-par teacher because they are being paid less than a living wage? Will there be a quality after-school program he can attend if I need to go back to work full-time? If he gets in with the wrong crowd and ends up being referred to the juvenile justice system, will he be sent directly to detention, because budget cuts have decimated all of the prevention programs?
As a parent, you expect it to be hard. I don’t want or need a hand out, but I would like to know that what the government has promised to provide is there, and not just available but meaningful and of high quality.
I am sure other parents have concerns. Share your stories, comments and thoughts by clicking on the button below. I would love to hear what you have to say.
