I hate the notion of stay at home mums getting benefits. I hate it because they are the source of heated and often misguided debates, in which many scream and cry out loud something to the effect of: do not pamper with governmental money all those women who, after all, chose to have babies and should have prepared for the cost of raising a family.
Well, to me that statement is a sign of total ignorance on the part of the screamers and cryers about what raising of a family is and what it implies. And just to be clear, having kids is not
luxury holidays you save up for and then worry about nothing for a few weeks or months.
Raising a family is a JOB, with an 18 year contract.A JOB which, if done with full support of society, and done well, can make an enormous difference to the standard of life of the society as a whole. Think of the crime, of education, of family and community ties, values, health (both mental and physical).
It is a JOB which should be rewarded with SALARIES, instead of paltry and so often begrudged benefits.