The birth of a child is one of the most memorable periods of life for many parents. Some think that husbands should be entitled to a faternity leave after welcoming a new addition to a family. I believe fathers should be allowed to spend an exctensive period with the newborn during these precious times because they play an important role in the household and can ease the burden of their partner. However, it is important to acknowledge the financial consequences such period presents for employers.
The delicate period post partum involves more than just cherishing the gift of life. It requires parents to face tasks and situations that many have never come across before. Changing dipers, waking up in the middle of the night, or being a source of mental support are just a few examples that can be named. Further, researchers have shown that skin to skin touch with fathers, is greatly beneficial for the growth and development of an infant, proving the neccesity of their physical presence. As the examples suggest this period could involve numerous sleepless nights, causing sleep deprivation and consequent decline in work performance, highlighting the importance of time off.
On the other hand, it is important to realise the financial consequences of parental leave. Allowing full-time employees to leave work can cause financial problems for employers. In many cases this results in reduction of pay, however, given the uniqueness of the period, companies should aim to create a financial buffer designated for this period of their male workers.
In conclusion, the birth of a child involves much more than just enjoying the moment. Fathers are a crucial part of a household in this period, employers should respect it and allow for time off work.