> why doesn't this apply to parents? Becoming a parent is no more unforeseen than ageing. I don't disagree. All of these 'benefits' are just compensation for

> why doesn't this apply to parents? Becoming a parent is no more unforeseen than ageing. I don't disagree. All of these 'benefits' are just compensation for labor in another form. When considering a salary for a position, you have to factor in all these non-cash benefits for your labor. I would prefer a simpler transaction: give me a high cash amount for hours actually worked with the flexibility to take whatever unpaid time I need, within reason.