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The Hidden Cost for Stay-At-Home American Parents
Beyond lost wages, moms or dads who don't return to work forfeit growth in those wages and in retirement and other benefits
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The decision around whether to go back to work after having a baby — and pay for childcare — is already difficult. American parents can now add another stark financial figure to their calculations: Each lost year of employment could cost a family more than three times a parent's annual salary.
They're missing out on a regular paycheck, but also the opportunity costs including lost wage growth and retirement assets, according to a report released Tuesday from the Center for American Progress.