Ep. 85 - The Need for Affordable Childcare and Paid Family Leave with Paige Connell

Childcare and paid leave aren’t “nice to have” benefits. They are essential supports for working families.

In this episode of De-Stress the Nest, Hannah Morgan talks with Paige Connell, content creator and advocate in the motherhood space, about the childcare affordability crisis, the lack of paid parental leave in the U.S., and how both issues disproportionately impact women and working parents.

Paige explains why childcare should be viewed as a societal and economic issue, not just an individual family problem. Together, Hannah and Paige also discuss why inclusive paid leave policies matter for all parents, how workplace culture needs to shift, and why support for families benefits everyone.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by childcare costs, frustrated by leave policies, or passionate about making work and parenting more sustainable, this episode is for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Childcare is essential: Most working families rely on childcare in order to stay employed and financially stable.
• Costs are rising quickly: Affordable childcare is becoming harder to access for many families.
• Women are disproportionately impacted: Mothers are more likely to reduce hours, change roles, or leave the workforce because of childcare gaps.
• Paid leave affects long-term equity: Lack of paid leave impacts earnings, retirement savings, and career growth.
• Leave should support all parents: Inclusive policies normalize involved parenting from day one.
• Workplaces play a role: Companies can help shift culture by offering and actively encouraging paid leave and childcare support.

💬 Quotes from Paige Connell

• “Childcare is often viewed as a ‘you problem,’ but it actually benefits the economy and society at large.”
• “The lack of affordable childcare disproportionately impacts women.”
• “People across the board believe there should be affordable, safe childcare.”
• “Every parent deserves this time.”
• “We need men to take leave, and we need companies not just to offer it, but to encourage it.”

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Paige Connell (@sheisapaigeturner) - Content creator and motherhood thought leader sharing honest conversations about gender equity, mental load, and the realities of modern parenthood.
• Heron House Management⁠⁠ - Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.

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💛 This episode was sponsored by Heron House Management. Learn more at
https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/