Which policy tools are cited as helping parents balance the demands of paid employment and family life?

• A. Maternity and paternity leave, and early years childcare
• B. Tax increases and wage controls
• C. Immigration quotas
• D. Military conscription

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is policy tools that directly support parents in juggling paid work with family responsibilities. Maternity and paternity leave give parents time off around the birth or adoption of a child, preventing sudden career disruption and allowing bonding and recovery. Early years childcare provides reliable, supervised care during the working day, making it feasible for parents to return to work and maintain their employment. Together, these measures reduce the time–work conflict and support sustained participation in paid employment.

The other options don’t target the day-to-day balance of work and family. Tax increases and wage controls are broad economic tools, not specifically designed to help families manage caregiving alongside work. Immigration quotas and military conscription are unrelated to supporting parents in combining employment with family life.