SHOULD MEN GET PATERNITY LEAVE?

Why not? In today’s world where gender equality is slowly taking importance, men getting paternity leave does not seem like an alien idea. Maternity leaves are never objectionable however when it comes to paternity leaves it becomes one of the most controversial topics of all times. Reasons for maternity leaves are well justified as the women have to carry the child with them as part of their body until the child is born but there are justified reasons for the paternity leave as well. Men have just as much right, need and obligation to spend quality time bonding with and caring for a newborn. 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 as was tradition. Now introducing paternity leave, the father can play this important role.

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 to be a part of. Statistics have proven that men that are an active part of their children's births and are present for the few weeks after have a stronger bond with their children, making them better fathers, and giving the children a better environment to grow up in.

When a woman gives birth to a child, it is emotionally and physically draining. If a father has the opportunity to stay home for the first couple of weeks to care for both his wife and his new child, it will make a world of difference. I don't believe that paternity leave needs to be several months like maternity leave is. But giving men a few weeks will have a positive effect on home, family life, and happiness.

There is always a moral support when the man is there in the house. A man on paternity leave may dedicatedly serve his partner. Not all out of house assignments can be carried out by a pregnant woman. Giving the maternity leaves alone can’t help the women completely as how would they overcome the needs at critical times. No one understands her better than her husband.

Gone are the days when there used to be joint families. Most of the policies existing today are based on policies formulated during those days only. Nowadays people prefer living lives their way. When the number of members in the family are restricted to husband and wife only, it becomes difficult for the lady to cope with even the minor requirements. It is not always feasible to call the neighbors especially in the metropolitan where all are busy and you really do not know much about them.

In a world where nobody has the time to stand and take a deep breath paternity leaves come in handy as it allows the men to take a break from their hectic schedules and give time to their family. It is a common scene these days that due to work pressure the employees cancels or postpones number of personal commitments which are seldom recognized by the organizations. Certain jobs require lot of outstation travels hence they get the least time to support their partner when she needs them the most. Sometimes the irony is that the traveling is increased during those critical periods leaving the men regretted forever. Paternity leaves will help people in this sector.

 I would like to conclude by saying that both the father and the mother should get a set amount of time they can distribute among themselves as parental leave. This would allow flexibility and is the most fair option. Only allowing women to get leave is sexist, but requiring an equal split would ignore the personal needs of families.