Saturday, January 31, 2009

The Obamas as role models for work-life balance

The headline for today's New York Times "Room for Debate" feature is "Michelle Obama's Balancing Act." The signing this week of the Lilly Ledbetter Act is the ostensible reason for initiating this dialogue, which includes the comments of four experts on work-life issues. Though the headline focuses on Mrs. Obama, at least one of the commenting authors, Wendy Sachs, brings President Obama --and by implication, all fathers--into the discussion, too. She writes:
As the father of two girls and the son of a single, working mom, the president made the Lilly Ledbetter case personal. But fair pay is just the beginning. It’s clear that President and Mrs. Obama understand the struggles facing millions of parents as they juggle work and family.

President Obama’s mood is actually reported to be much sunnier now that he can eat breakfast and dinner with his family.

She notes that he has commented on the benefits of working from home, now that he's in the White House.

Read the rest here.

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