Children’s needs
should come first

Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift gave birth Tuesday to twin girls. She stayed awake during the Caesarean section to avoid transferring power to her second-in-command, and continues to carry out her duties from her hospital bed. The new mother plans to take an eight-week "working" maternity leave before going back to work full time.

Fortunately, her husband is a stay-at-home dad who already takes care of their 2-year-old daughter. He's sure to have his hands full with an energetic 2-year-old and two new babies.

More couples should have the sense to put their young children's needs before their own. Too many working parents leave their precious offspring in the care of strangers so they can devote their energies to their jobs. The governor and her husband are setting an important example with the message that raising one's own children is the most important job of all.

--Nancy Christenson McNamee

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