Why should families care about who is running for President?

It is time that parents become a united voice heard by the President and Congress. If children are going to grow and thrive in this nation their needs for education, healthcare and economic security must be met. Public polices affecting families need to be responsive the real needs of 21^st century families. Families which come in different numbers and kinds---two-parent, single- parent, grandparents raising children, trans-racial, bi-lingual, etc. Society is not going to return to the Leave it Beaver or Father Knows Best days no matter how nostalgic and inviting that might be. Society has changed too much, the information age has changed the way we communicate, learn, think and relate to each other and our environment.

The impact on families is tremendous. Parents often feel overwhelmed. "Never enough hours in the day", parents chant. Work is taking more and more time and energy. It leaves fewer resources for family at a time when children need more, not less, attention and supervision. How can parents find time to protect children in the information age from overexposure to the adult world and violence? How can they spend time with their children, play games, ride bicycles, etc. to ensure children get physical activity so that they do not develop the sedentary lifestyle of couch potato, or PC overload.

The rise in childhood obesity is truly alarming. Those who, if heavy as child, will almost assuredly struggle with excess weight throughout life. This trend is of concern for all of society. Ee could be creating a future of unhealthy adults who will not be able to sustain society.

We have under-valued mothers and fathers too long in this nation--replacing them with daycare centers, babysitters and others. Parents need to ask Presidential candidates hard questions. Exactly what are you going to do to ensure families economic security with reasonable work hours and adequate pay? What are you going to do to guarantee health Care? How will you guarantee access to technology and the Internet for all families? What can be done to improve the educational system " for real" this time? How will you keep children safe in schools and in our neighborhoods? When will all parents be assured parental leave?

Let us all tell the candidates that we expect them to care, support and nurture American families--- no matter their size or kind.