Should Men Get Paternity Leave from Work?

Should Men Get Paternity Leave From Work?

Paternity leave is defined as time off from work for new fathers. Many employers offer this leave, helping fathers to be with his new children. This special leave is designed to be a bonding time with the new father and his child, along with learning how to care for the new baby.

Many European countries offer these non-paid leaves from privately owned companies. In some cases, employees may use vacation time or sick leave to be with the new child. Some countries do offer paid leave, while Australia and The United States do not, making it sometimes impossible for a new father to take advantage of the paternity leave.

Other men do not take the leave because he thinks it will jeopardize his job. "It is rare for us to find a father who is brave enough to take paternity leave. They feel that there might be repercussions after they come back to work" (Randall Turner).

The time a father can take off work depends on the company he works for and his health care package. A new father's leave can last from no days paid or as much as 16 months of paid leave. If an employer agrees, a man can work over time and try to save money to ensure that he will be able to afford the missed time from work. "The fact is, most men do not take time off around the birth of a child. What they are taking is an average of five days, negotiating directly with his boss" (James Levine)

Paternity leave would be a great help to the new mother. Childbirth in general is a very traumatic, exhausting experience. It comes with many weeks of recuperation. A new father could help lift some of the burdens with feedings and diaper changes, allowing the new mother time to rest and heal.

According to Tara Clapper, "Babies who spend more time with their fathers within the first years of their life, experience increased vocal activity and faster-developing motor skills". Fathers who take advantage of paternity help the new baby feel twice the love and support because he has both parents paying an active role in the first weeks of life.

The unfortunate possibility that the mother dies during or right after childbirth brings the realization that the sole responsibility for caring for this newborn, falls solely on the shoulders of the father. During such a dreadful time, a new father needs the paternity leave to come to terms that he is now a single father