5SR - November 1, 2023

Lale on foster parenting, why married parents matter, and community for young people

Today’s #5SmartReads guest contributor is LaToya, a.k.a. Lale! Lale Cox's main role is being a mommy to almost 2 year old Ethan. Her FT "day job" is as a Human Resources Director for a Women owned and Women-Led Healthcare Staffing Company. She just pioneered 2 new programs, one called Baby Bonus where new moms can get matching 529 funds, and another for reimbursement for professional development.

When Foster Parents Don’t Want to Give Back the Baby (Propublica)

As someone who would love to adopt a child from foster care, I never considered the implications of a child who would not be reunited with their family. This was a heartbreaking and sobering read that highlights the need for a clear policy goal that family unification should be the intent of foster parents everywhere.

7 Productivity Habits Successful Women Practice (The Everygirl)

This is just a great, fun read for anyone looking to be more effective with the very limited amount of time we all have. 

Tip #2 of elevating my to-do list changed my life. Mine is broken down into "immediately/2 weeks out/1 month out/future priority. (a personal tip of mine whenever you think of something just put it on the list immediately then it becomes a working task you can action later, but getting it on the list is a game changer)

Why children of married parents do better, but America is moving the other way (NPR)

This article can be triggering but read with an open mind. This quote stood out to me 

"She sees marriage as a long-term contract between two individuals to pool their resources and share household responsibilities, including raising children. Two is greater than one. The genders of the parents are irrelevant."

If we could move past the marriage phrase and focus on what actually benefits children then more families can start to live together in an expanded capacity. Think Full House but with moms! (if anyone lives in Westchester, NY and wants to do this please DM)

Why are so many young people having less sex and fewer friendships? (Salon)

"Sociologists use this term to refer to the feelings of disconnect and alienation that individuals can feel under these circumstances. Anomie, if left unchecked, can produce higher rates of crime, mental illness, and even suicide."

Community. We all need community. A main goal of mine, this year, is to make mom friends. Actual, real life, lets go for a walk, come over and i'll order a pizza, rent a lake house together- Mom friends. Again Westchester, NY find me!

Idaho Banned Abortion. Then It Turned Down Supports for Pregnancies and Births. (Propublica)

As a progressive Democrat, we are fighting so many battles on so many fronts, but we have to maintain view on all of them.

Donate to your local abortion fund to get women the care they need safely and securely.