Many now suggest that both mothers and fathers deserve leave from work after the birth of a child. In my opinion, though time off work for fathers is not as justified as it is for mothers, this policy is forward-thinking and advisable.
Critics of such a policy claim that there is little physical justification for paternity leave. Few would argue that women should have time off in order to both establish an emotional connection with their child and to recover their physical strength for work. Men, however, do not suffer physical side-effects and therefore do not need time to recuperate before returning to work. They may require a period of time for emotional recovery but this claim is tenuous and difficult to support with clear evidence. Therefore, the norm in most countries is to prioritize workplace productivity and provide little or no contractually obligated paternity leave.
However, fathers need time with their children and spouse to form strong emotional bonds for the good of all family members. In past generations, taking care of children and the home was the domain of mothers and men were defined primarily as earners. The recent shift in society that sees more women entering the workforce also recognizes for the emotional needs of men and its importance for the entire family unit. Research has shown that the single most important element of healthy childhood development is a loving and supportive home environment. The consequence is that fathers are now expected to be more involved in the child-rearing process. By staying home for several weeks or months after birth, they can become more active, helpful participants.
In conclusion, despite the lack of physical justification, paternal leave is crucial for emotional reasons. When possible, governments and employers should advocate and extend this privilege to both parents equally.
Many
now
suggest that both mothers and
fathers
deserve
leave
from
work
after the birth of a child. In my opinion, though
time
off
work
for
fathers
is not as justified as it is for mothers, this policy is forward-thinking and advisable.
Critics of such a policy claim that there is
little
physical
justification for paternity
leave
. Few would argue that women should have
time
off in order to both establish an
emotional
connection with their child and to recover their
physical
strength for
work
.
Men
,
however
, do not suffer
physical
side-effects
and
therefore
do not need
time
to recuperate
before
returning to
work
. They may require a period of
time
for
emotional
recovery
but
this claim is tenuous and difficult to support with
clear
evidence.
Therefore
, the norm in most countries is to prioritize workplace productivity and provide
little
or no
contractually
obligated paternity
leave
.
However
,
fathers
need
time
with their children and spouse to form strong
emotional
bonds for the
good
of all family members. In past generations, taking care of children and the home was the domain of mothers and
men
were defined
primarily
as earners. The recent shift in society that
sees
more women entering the workforce
also
recognizes for the
emotional
needs of
men
and its importance for the entire family unit. Research has shown that the single most
important
element of healthy childhood development is a loving and supportive home environment. The consequence is that
fathers
are
now
expected
to be more involved in the child-rearing process. By staying home for several weeks or months after birth, they can become more active, helpful participants.
In conclusion
, despite the lack of
physical
justification, paternal
leave
is crucial for
emotional
reasons. When possible,
governments
and employers should advocate and extend this privilege to both parents
equally
.