Why don't more men take paternity leave?

Question

I chose this forum because I believe it is women that need to push this issue, not just men. I sometimes think that while some are trying to keep women out of the home, they forget to bring the men in! I was raised an old style feminist by my mother. I believe she was one of the first women to ever really try to join a football team, during an era when even mentioning the idea would label you for life. She was a perfect lady, but tough as nails and a black belt in Judo. I saw her angry only three times in my life, but she was as tenacious as a bulldog.
She wanted me to see myself as not better, not equal, not less than any woman, but simply as different in useful ways for both sexes, and to see ways that both could maximize their potential, not make them over to be the other sex. I just took paternity leave because of her efforts, saved up money and stayed with my wife and newborn daughter. IT WAS GREAT! Shouldn't men do this more often? How can we encourage them?

Answer 1

I think it's a great idea. I would have loved more then anything to have my husband with me at home for a few weeks when our son was born, we just couldn't afford to do something like that. Unfortunately some just do not have the money to save especially when getting ready to bring home a baby. If you have the money to save so you can do so then only good can come of it. More fathers should do so when possible as they would have that time to bond. Not to mention that after carrying a baby and going through the delivery process women could use the extra help. The first few weeks can be hard to adjust to with lack of sleep and such an akward new routine. Breastfeeding might even be done with less emotional stress if the father could be there to help out in between by giving the mother some time to recoup and gather her strength back up. Now a days i think men do play more of role in parenting then ever before they just aren't given the credit for how far they have come through the years.

Answer 2

Many times men can't afford to take paternity leave. Most states don't require paternity pay but accounted as sick leave. Added to that having a child is expensive and if paternity leave isn't paid for then there is a huge decrease in funds. Without a doubt the emotional element of being a father with all the memories should be more than worth it but money rules the world. Perhaps campaigning for paid paternity leave would encourage new fathers to take the time off. I believe that men should do it more often but the belief that taking care of a child is a woman's job is still very apparent, sad to type.

Answer 3

Good for you!!



I believe this is really the only answer. So far feminism has somehow morphed into an effort to turn women into men... unsuccessfully because women aren't men, and because that leaves no one to do the very valuable work that has been traditionally accomplished by women.



The only way to make our lives work now is for all of us to start living as humans, working together and valuing each others' differences equally. Caring for children is valuable work, whether you're a man or a woman, and women will never have equality until we all understand this!

Answer 4

No. the well-known reason for maternity go away is for the female to recover from a considerable actual adventure. I do think of guys might desire to be waiting to take an afternoon or 2 off and extra time if there are issues (mom or new child are unwell). even regardless of the indisputable fact that, as a former company, i does no longer pay him for that factor off. He can use holiday time. that's what it extremely is there for. If he would not have any left...pfffft....too undesirable. He knew for 8 months that she substitute into pregnant.

Answer 5

I believe it's because most women want to be the ones who stay home with the children. Even in this day and age. However, I also see nothing wrong with paternity leave if it is feasable. Personally I stayed home because my husband makes more money than me and it just made sense. Besides I breastfed all my three of my children something my husband obviously can't do.

Answer 6

I know several men who have taken a parental leave but often it is not a matter of gender roles as it is convenience and budget. We live in a society where most people need 2 incomes to live comfortably. I don't know about the rules in the States, but in Canada, only one parent is allowed parental leave. That usually means the mother because she often needs that time after she has given birth and is simply convenient if she is nursing the baby herself. Its a great idea that men take the leave, but sometimes its just not as practical. And remember, not every man is as nurturing as you, but I think what you did was phenomenal. Congrats to you and yours!

Answer 7

No offense but most men don't take paternity leave cause even if they did, the woman would still be doing everything. He'd be out with his friends, etc.

Answer 8

why would they want to stay home with a screaming baby and a wife who is tired and recovering from a major painful experience? That would be considerate, helpful and responsible. we are talking about men are'nt we!!!!

Answer 9

because men don't get pregnant.



men don't carry the baby inside them

Answer 10

proper dissemination of information...lots of male didn't know it

Answer 11

i think they think it takes away their masculinity if they stay home when they're not sick.