Why is Sweden paying grandparents to babysit? It’s worth a try
Proponents say there is economic logic to the scheme.
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If grandparents are paid to take care of a child and the parent returns to work, the extended family as a whole benefits.
PHOTO: PEXELS
Tyler Cowen
At first glance, the policy sounds absurd, especially to many Americans: In Sweden, grandparents are now eligible for government subsidies to babysit their grandchildren.
As a proud grandparent myself, I would be willing to pay to babysit my grandkids. (I don’t have to, but I would.) It would feel wrong to accept government money for my services.