Should Men Go for Paternal Leave?

In many parts of the world, a man is believed to be the head of the family. With duties which include putting food on the table, men labor, at times working under extreme conditions to make both ends meet. Due to such challenges, many are left with little time to attend to their families. Women mostly are therefore in charge of the daily task of attending to children which includes instilling discipline in them.

However in developed economies like United States Of America and Britain, parents tend to take proportional time in discharging the family chores. This may include taking paternity leave during the child birth to help the wife take care of the new born. The fact that a paltry 13% of employers in America are willing to provide paid paternity leave raises many questions than answers on whether men should adjourn their work to assist their wives after giving birth.

Across section of men interviewed argues that they would take the paternity leave okay but use it to stay in the house the whole day. To some, bonding with the baby is not pragmatic. It only applies in soap operas. For instance some men argue that, a newly born baby (two weeks old) wouldn't recognize whether dad is present or not.
Some men would take the leave to escort their wife to prenatal clinics, others would just want to keep closer company to their spouse.

After nine months of pregnancy a woman needs to be appreciated. After the birth of the baby, family members and friends are expected to pay a visit. During this time, men are expected to receive the visitors. It is hectic and off duty may be necessary.

According to experts a lasting bonding that would see the father help the child with tasks like homework and discipline should commence at birth. Instead of hiring the services of house help, men who are pro-leave advocates for men's leave to be three months. The argument being that it will help men perform tasks like cooking to their recuperating wives.

Even though men may not indulge in duties like carrying a one-week old baby and changing diapers but all round presence might provide emotional support important for ridding off post-partum depression. In some countries, the paternal leave is yet to be entrenched in their laws. The act is seen as a way forward as it helps in strengthening marriage. It helps to boosts the relationship between the father and children.