Pros And Cons Of Paid Parental Leave

The United States is the first world country to not guarantee paid maternity leave. The question to have have paid parental leave has been a heated debate. The U.S offers twelve weeks of unpaid.The reality is that parents can not afford to take time off. They often have to seek outside help if they want time off. The ideal paid parental leave would cover both parents and adoptive parents. Sexual identity would not matter. Parental leave can have a positive impact on children, parents, and it can have a positive impact on financial issues.

Parental leave has a positive impact on a baby life. The baby does not have to leave the house. “When both parents are there, there’s no need to strap anyone in a car seat or lug a diaper bag out for a quick

Dads are more involved in family life. According to (CNN) dad's who took more that 10 days off were more involved in the child’s activities and life. CNN states that 70% of men who stay home share in child-rearing. Being involved makes the child and father feel more joy and helps build their relationship. “Simply put, paid paternity leave can help foster better father-child relationships” (Gillett). Better relationships are beneficial. Gillett states that fathers experience a change in the brain that makes it more suited to be a father. This change happens when they bond with their child. “Men who can take paternity leave also end up being more competent and committed fathers later in their children’s lives” (Think). This makes them a better father. Father want parental leave. “Nearly half of fathers feel they don’t get to spend enough time with their children” (Think). Parental leave allows a father more time with his children. Men help out with house duties. “Afterward, fathers who were eligible for the leave increased the time they spent on household duties by 23 percent” (Think). This allow him to be a part of family

Parents struggle financially which makes it impossible to stay home. “Without the guarantee of paid leave while caring for a child, many new parents are faced with the choice between economic hardship and returning to work prematurely” (Gillett). “About 60% of workers who took this leave reported it was difficult making ends meet” (Gillett). Parents are able to pay bills and make ends meet if they adopt this policy. Most parents have to turn to public help. “According to a 2012 report from the US Department of Labor on family and medical leave, about 15% of people who were not paid or who received partial pay while on leave turned to public assistance for help” (Gillett). “The study also found these women to be 39% less likely to receive public assistance and 40% less likely to receive food stamps in the year following a child's birth compared to those who didn't take any leave” (Gillett). Parents do not have to turn to public help if the get enough paid leave. Income increases when women and men have leave. Gillet states that the longer fathers stay at home the more a mother's income will increase. According to Gillett the income increases by 7% for each month a father stays. Keeping employees satisfied saves money. “Indeed, they have adopted these policies voluntarily, so they must see some benefits — especially in recruiting and retaining a better and more loyal workforce” (Waldfogel). ‘“If you lose someone, you might need to