PATERNITY LEAVE @ FATHER'S DAY

PATERNITY LEAVE @ FATHER’S DAY.

Child birth marks the start of a unique time for families.

Mothers are often been the one that experienced the most obvious change by taking time off their jobs to care for the new born baby.

The birth of new babies changes household dynamics and routines completely which comes with many demands since the first few weeks and months of settling can be very challenging.

The workplace culture, social stigma and the male breadwinner expectation still represent a mental block for most men seeking to take paternity leave but the narrative is changing as  experts have recognized that paternity is imperative.

 Men’s uptake of parental leave is beginning to raise  across the globe. Child care leave can be used by either of the parents but since men are generally the main breadwinner in the family, their ability to take parental leave is limited as there’s the cultural double standard- Fathers are adulated for doing what they should normally do and on the other hand, mother’s role is taken for granted as child care mostly fall mainly on them.  

Paternity leave gives fathers the chance to be a primary caregiver, who recognizes and appreciate the unique challenges of the role for both parents. Thereby taking the pressure off new mothers, who often feel like they’re alone in raising the children.

The truth be told, the cultural context around paternity leave is taking a new turn especially as a number of men don’t want to be deadbeat daddies, they are very much interested in bonding with their children’s lives from a very early stage.

More countries and companies are offering “parental bonding leave” including the Nigerian government who officially approved 14-working-day paternity leave for civil servants whose spouse delivers a baby and the leave will not be more than once in two years and for maximum of four children which is in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules, 2021 Edition through the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan.

According to her “bonding is important to help the newly bond with the father in the early period,” recognizing the tremendous benefits to individuals and families.

The benefits of paternity leave begin in the home, an improved relationship with their spouses who felt that, the support was critical to forging a stronger bond and stability.

Paternity vacation also allows fathers to set the foundation for a more equal distribution for future responsibilities like getting kids to day care/school thus securing a life long bond and a very strong relationship ward over time. In a world where nearly half of fathers report dissatisfaction with the amount of quality time they spend with their children when compared to that of mothers hence paternity leave equalizes the opportunity for the daddies to be there.

Here’s advice to employers of labour- Kindly give fathers the same benefits given to new mothers even though fathers do not go through the same physical strains as birth mothers but recognizing that handful mothers have their babies via adoption/surrogacy and  spending time at home to bond with their child and their significant other, is critical by creating a culture that encourages  paternity leave to be normalized and employees sharing their positive experiences is essential.

In conclusion, paternity leave should be an expected right in the workplace and can actually be a key part of higher satisfaction for fathers, who in turn make happier employees as paternity leave is a plus for retaining star performers.

Fathers should not just be bread winners but  must also play a vital role in their children’s lives by being better fathers, better lovers and inspiring leaders!