1. Parental leave: two weeks is not enough
The first 1,001 days of a child’s life are critical to their future development. Without the nurturing of a caring adult during this time children are more likely to develop anti-social behaviours, achieve less at school and at work, and are less healthy both physically and mentally.
Pictured: Rachel French would have loved to spend more time with baby Oscar, here at one-day-old, after his birth.
So why is the statutory paid maternity leave allowance just two weeks? Two weeks. For the person supporting the mother it’s the same amount of time although no statutory provision that this be paid. This has to change, for the good of our children and the health and well-being of parents.
2. It’s time to say ‘I do’ to same-sex marriage!
I fundamentally just don’t understand why, in 2017, we are fighting for equality for same sex couples. I’ve read many opinions on the matter and I acknowledge the views from the faith-based voices in the room, but I do not accept them.
Pictured: Rachel French, along with the members of Liberate, is looking forward to celebrating with same-sex couples when they will finally be able to get married.
Roll on March 2018 when the legislation will have been passed and I can look forward to celebrating with dear friends who will stand up and declare their commitment to each other through the bonds of marriage.
3. Being green shouldn’t be this hard
Whether that’s kerb side recycling, renewable energy sources or fewer cars on the road, I’d like to see ‘being green’ an easier thing to be.
Pictured: Rachel French is getting frustrated with how difficult it can be to recycle, even if it is the right thing to do.
It’s a conscious effort on my behalf because I know it’s the right thing to do, but it shouldn’t feel this difficult.
4. We don’t need a guilty party in a divorce
The decision to end the marriage will already have been taken, and it’s painful enough as it is, especially with children involved.
Pictured: Divorces are painful enough without having to blame one of the party for it.
Apportioning blame only adds to this pain and it’s unnecessary. It’s time to change the blame culture and focus instead on what can be done to ensure an amicable split.
5. Let us fly for less!
Whether it’s islanders needing different horizons or those wishing to see what beautiful horizons Jersey has to offer, the cost of travel to and from Jersey is extortionate.
Pictured: Escaping the rock can sometimes prove costly, especially with two children in tow.
It prohibits me taking my two children to see their grandparents in the UK and we lose so many tourist dollars to cheap European city break deals. I know it’s not something that’s going to change, but oh how I wish it would.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and not those of Bailiwick Express.