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Thanksgiving Break Disparity Sparks Childcare Crisis for Working Parents

Source: Thanksgiving break starts on Monday, but parents work through Wednesday (2025-11-26)

Despite synchronized holiday seasons, U.S. schools and workplaces remain misaligned, intensifying childcare challenges for working families during Thanksgiving. While schools often close for an entire week, many employers only grant a few days off, leaving parents scrambling to find care. This disconnect disproportionately impacts women, who shoulder most of the holiday-related administrative and caregiving duties. Recent data reveals that 26% of UK parents also take unpaid leave during summer, highlighting a global trend of inadequate leave policies. The issue is compounded by the rise of extended school breaks, which have increased by 15% over the past decade, and the growing prevalence of remote work, which offers some flexibility but often lacks formal support. Additionally, the U.S. labor market has seen a 12% increase in gig and part-time employment, making traditional leave policies less accessible. Experts suggest that policy reforms, such as paid family leave and flexible work arrangements, are essential to address these disparities. As holiday seasons grow more complex, companies and schools are urged to collaborate on synchronized schedules and supportive policies to ease the burden on working parents, especially women, and promote family well-being.

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