I have been a working mom all of my children's lives. Not by choice, but out of necessity.

I couldn't have done it without the support of some really amazing, qualified caregivers, who for years I considered as important as our extended family.

Recently one of my daughters told me that when she has kids she hopes to be able to stay home. She was concerned that I would be disappointed if she didn't want to pursue a career while raising a family.

I was shocked that she would think that.

For years my girls have watched me fight for universal access to child care and quality community supports for families. I could spend days talking about why this is good social policy, good economic policy, and so on.

But what I want my daughters to understand is that I didn't do it because I wanted them to feel like they must pursue a career. I did it so that would have that choice.

Being a stay at home mother or father is a great choice. And it is every bit as important and complex as any career they might choose. But not everyone is cut out to be a stay at home parent.

And for most families these days, it's not a choice, as the economics of affording a family requires two incomes. Unfortunately today most parents cannot find qualified caregivers.

So I will continue to fight for universal access to child care and supports. In all likelihood my future grandchildren will need it and will benefit from it.

Learn more on why we need Smart Family Policy.

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