Lower-income families often face an agonizing dilemma regarding their children. Being a stay-at-home parent is not an option available to those families that simply can't afford to lose any of their household income. The extra economic pressure of a new child often overshadows the positive effects of a full-time at-home parent. Both the child and the parent may suffer because of circumstances beyond their control.
The state of Minnesota created a new program in 1997 designed to help lower-income families be stay-at-home parents. Families whose incomes fall below 75 percent of the state's median income can apply for up to $3000 a year in assistance. The subsidy does not intend to compensate for lost wages, but to ease the burden for those who are losing wages.
At-Home Infant Care, the Minnesota program, is designed to help parents through the critical first year of their child's life. Other states, such as California and Utah, are implementing similar programs.
