It's hard enough having children in a culture where most kids are shuttled off to daycare, then school, then babysitters so parents can achieve the American Dream (or at least pay their bills and feed their family). And with working all day, the parents are usually so exhausted when they come home that it's hard to even have any sort of "quality time". Then think of only having one person to do everything, to be everything for their child(ren). It is extremely tiring and often overwhelming. There are some days when I feel like I'm freaking out and just need a few hours to myself where nobody asks me for anything, where I can just be. Occasionally I do get those breaks (hopefully before I break down!) because I do have a very strong network of friends that I have formed out of necessity- around me. We all try to help each other out in those times and even in lighter times. But there are many single parents who don't know many people here or just haven't met those willing to help out. And then it can be so isolating. We are definitely discriminated against - there are many places kids aren't even allowed in, or are frowned upon so if we can't find someone to watch our kids, we can't go.
What kind of society do we have where people don't realize that our children are truly our future? If we don't help them grow well and whole, then our society will suffer. Already we see this in so many facets of life today from the killings at Columbine to the killings here in Austin. In the rape of a pregnant woman by a policeman (also here in Austin) and in the rampant disrespect that many young people show (which is only natural when you think how children are seldom treated respectfully). We have to "walk our talk" and "do unto others"... if we expect a healthy society.
I want to bring people together to weave a web of community - a strong, sticky web that will join us, make our lives easier and more joyful. If we don't have to scramble to find a last minute sitter so that we can go to work, if we can ever just have a few hours alone to go paint or sing or run, then everyone will benefit. Our lives will feel more contented as will those of our children and we will be more productive. Then that flow can ripple out into all of society making us more empowered parts of the whole.