Fathers Paternity Leave

Should Fathers get Paternity Leave?

“Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” This famous quote by the American baseball player Wade Boggs, shows what an important role a father plays in his child’s life. Due to this essential role a dad has to play in his child’s life, many believe that fathers should get paternity leave in order to give fathers time to bond with their child. However paternity leave is one of the most controversial topics of all times. The meaning of Paternity leave is a leave of absence from work for a period of time in order to take care of a new born baby. It could be paid or unpaid leave and it varies from two weeks to as long as six to twelve weeks. However there are others who feel that paternity leave is simply an excuse for fathers to stay off work, when the mother has potentially ‘done all the hard work’.

Most people agree that fathers are an important part of their children’s lives, but do they agree with paternity leave? Yes, many people do agree with paternity leave, not only does the mother need to bond with her new born, men have just as much right, need and obligation to spend quality time bonding with and caring for a new born too, so it’s important for the father to make that connection in the same way. Bonding with your baby is probably one of the most pleasurable aspects of infant care, therefore is it fair if dads miss out?

Mothers can struggle to cope with their new baby, it can be a very stressful time for them, especially if the baby is not to its full health or maybe in intensive care. With families living isolated from close relatives, it may be difficult for the mother’s family to support her after the birth of the baby, so as a result of this the introduction of paternity leave means the father can play this important role, to support his family. Men should get paternity leave from work for a reasonable amount of time, because becoming a parent is a life-changing event that they need...