I was a teen mother and I think it would be a great idea. Except the knitting and sewing stuff. I think it would be better to have some sort of job skill training instead, teach people how to use computer programs and type. Things like that. Basic entry level skills that will get you a job so you can support yourself and feel better about yourself.
I had one daughter when I was 18 and the next daughter when I was 19. I put myself through college twice. I have no regrets about having my girls when I was young. They are 14 and 13 now.
There are no programs that give women work skills. It should be mandatory that if you are receiveing state assistance then you have to attend classes Mon-Fri to learn job skills. NO show = NO Check on Friday. They could even have a daycare facilty on site.
That is an excellent, constructive idea. I would add that if people are receiving government dole-outs, that they should have to pass drug tests as well. If they flunk, they get no money. Welfare needs to be completely over-hauled, it isn't helping the way it is now.
Sewing and knitting are great skills. And great income skills. Custom handknit items can make a good dollar for a few hours work. And custom sewing is a always in demand in any place.
Both activities have helped hundreds of generations of women learn an inner peacefulness that yoga cannot touch.
How about the recipients take shifts babysitting. Say two hours of babysitting out of an eight hour day? Kid get to see their moms and know they are never far away. And all the mommies and kids could have a healthy lunch together? This really irks my libertarian bones, but mommies and kids hit a soft spot with this old grandfather.
Moms could also do most of the kitchen work as well. For some of them it would be job training since not everyone has aptitude for more intellectually demanding work.
The one thing we ought never, ever do is subsidize indolence.
BTW, sowing and knitting was probably about as good as it got in the Nineteenth Century. In the early part of the century about 90% of the American population worked on farms. Mill towns grew up in New England (and elsewhere) because a mill job was vastly preferable to drudgery of farm work. Lucky was the Irish immigrant girl who could find 60 hours a week of work in the mill.
good ideas! and I’m glad to hear that you put yourself through college twice. That’s huge! :)