First of all, congratulations! But beyond the monthly checkups, the sonograms, the designing of the nursery, and the debate over whether the Snoo is actually worth it, comes the all-too-fraught question for American employees and parents: Can mom and dad take parental leave?
The United States has the dubious distinction of being one of the only wealthy, developed OECD nations that does not mandate federally funded paid parental leave for all workers. Instead, being able to take paid parental leave — or parental leave at all — is largely a matter of where you work, the type of manager you have, what your workplace culture is like, or, quite frankly, whether or not you work a white-collar office job, where such benefits are generally expected and offered (though not necessarily used).
The birth parent is expected to take parental leave whether it’s paid or not, even if that’s just for a few weeks. But when it comes to dads, taking parental leave is a bit more complicated. Many dads report not feeling incentivized by their workplace to take leave for fear of being “mommy-tracked” if they do. In other words, the penalties that have always been in place for moms are starting to hit dads as the definition of fatherhood changes.
The toll that not offering parental leave to all workers across the country has on the economy, and on public health, cannot be understated. That’s why federal paid leave is so important.
The best way to combat the stigma, and economic toll, of taking or not being able to take parental leave is to pass a federal paid parental leave program. But in the meantime, while various paid parental leave programs get debated in the halls of Congress, working parents are having babies right now. And they have a lot of decisions to make.
That’s why Fatherly put together this Guide to Parental Leave — including research on how important it is for moms and dads alike to take that time; research on who gets to take leave and why; interviews with experts about the best policy options being discussed right now; and practical advice on how to approach managers on taking leave.
What Dads Need To Know About Paternity Leave
How to Talk to Your Boss About Taking Paternity Leave
Even though you're essentially “telling” your manager that you’ll be taking your rightful time off, it’s best to do so with tact and graciousness.
7 Expert Tips For Returning to Work After Paternity Leave
Things will feel a bit different. Here's what experts suggest you do to adjust to the new normal.
America lags behind, well, everyone when it comes to paid leave policy. The result? A cycle of socio-economic and racial discrimination goes on and on.
Why Paid Leave Matters For Dads
What Happens When Dads Take Paternity Leave — And When They Don’t
The benefits of paternity leave are wide-ranging, well-studied, and all too often completely ignored.
The Science Of Dad And The ‘Father Effect’
There are data-driven reasons why kids do better with a father figure in their lives.
The Father Effect, By The Numbers
The data behind dads and the substantial and positive impact they have on kids.
The Workplace Politics Of Paid Parental Leave
What They Don’t Tell You About Paternity Leave
Paternity leave is a time to take in the necessary seismic shift in the way you think about time management, work, and life.
How To Ask Your Boss For More PTO
Here’s what to remember about negotiating more time off for yourself and your family.
7 Expert Tips For Returning to Work After Paternity Leave
Things will feel a bit different. Here's what experts suggest you do to adjust to the new normal.
80 Percent of Parents ‘Outraged’ About This Lack of Vital Government Support
Parents know they deserve better — the rest of the world proves this.
Men, It’s Time to Make Companies Fear Weak Paternity Leave Policies
The failure of companies to provide good paternity leave is the unique failure of quiet men.
Fatherly Testified to the House About Paid Leave. Here’s Why
In 2021, Fatherly's co-founder, Mike Rothman, testified in front of the House Ways & Means Committee to advocate for federal paid leave.
This Map Shows Every State’s Paid Leave Laws — And It’s Dismal
American parents continue to suffer without a national paid parental leave law, but a few states have added it on their own.
What Happens When Dads Take Paternity Leave — And When They Don’t
The benefits of paternity leave are wide-ranging, well-studied, and all too often completely ignored.
