Skip to content
  • Start Here
  • Courses
  • Quizzes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Courses
  • custom-logo
  • Quizzes
  • Contact
  • About
Shared Parental Leave: The Pros & Cons
Relationships

Shared Parental Leave: The Pros & Cons

March 20, 2020April 23, 2020 Editor Comments Off on Shared Parental Leave: The Pros & Cons


Shared parental leave is, all things considered, a relatively new concept.
Traditionally, the role of carer has been taken on by women, without any real discussion about what would work best for the couple and how careers are likely to be impacted.

Becoming a parent is something that is, of course, going to drastically alter one’s life. Priorities will have to change, the amount of disposable income available will be greatly reduced, and day-to-day routines will start to revolve around the needs and wants of the baby.

However, in the past, this is a change that has been delineated along gender-centric lines. The man would, generally, continue going to work and earn money, while the woman would stay at home to look after the child, putting any career or external ambitions on hold. This disparity in income is, in fact, one of the reasons why some women stay with their partners in the first place – even if they may want to leave. A survey from Direct Line reveals that, for 31% of women asked, the reason they stayed with their partner was because they simply could not afford to separate. 

This is something that is beginning to change in many countries around the world, with more and more couples throwing off these shackles borne of custom, and instead embracing the idea of sharing the burdens associated with garnering income and looking after their child.

The statistics

Unlike many countries around the world – with particular reference to those in Europe – Australia does not have any nationally legislated shared parental leave system. There would appear to be an increase in the number of people backing such a system, with an array of companies offering it, but there is not widespread knowledge around who is legible, and so take-up is still incredibly low. Research suggests that only one in 20 fathers take any paternity leave at all, and this is largely attributed to the fact that many don’t know they have access to such rights.

However, in other countries in Europe, the take-up is far more substantial. In Iceland, for example, parents are guaranteed 39 weeks off, which allows them to be paid at 80% of the parent’s wage. Here, fathers account for 45% of all of the total benefit use, which is another victory as the country strives for gender equality across everything it does.

However, with that in mind, let’s take a look at what the benefits – and potential cons – associated with shared parental leave are.

Is it a good idea?

Research clearly shows that many men are refusing to take on the traditionally ‘female’ role of taking time off work to look after their child, largely because they either don’t understand that support is available, or because they are unwilling to take a step away from a career they have worked hard to establish. 

However, it could be argued that all that is required here is for parents to be better educated about their employer’s legal requirements, as well as the benefits that are available. One of the cons of shared parental leave is that employers may not be as understanding or forgiving when a father is taking considerable time off – but this is the employer’s problem, not yours. As attitudes continue to change, hopefully employers will become increasingly open-minded in future. 

There is also a widespread misunderstanding that shared parental leave has replaced maternity leave. This is by no means true – both parental leave and maternity leave are designed to work harmoniously together. Women who are on the cusp of motherhood can, in actual fact, choose – following conversation with their partner – whether to use the traditional method of taking full maternity leave, or whether they want to use shared parental leave. While this decision ultimately rests with the mother, it’s obviously wise to discuss this with the other partner involved too.

There are, of course, an array of potential benefits. Research has found that children growing up in two-parent families, on average, end up having better careers and attaining better results at school, and are also less likely to end up having a criminal conviction.

Shared parental leave ensures that children get more time to bond with both of their parents, and it allows both mother and father a much greater degree of flexibility and choice when it comes to career choices. Research has also found that the amount of time a child spends with their father can massively impact a child’s development.

(contributed content)

benefitschildrendivorceeducatededucationhaving childrenlifestyleparental leaveparentsseparatestatisticstwo parent families

Related Posts

3 Things To Do When You’re Retired and Bored
3 Things To Do When You’re Retired and Bored
How To Use Crystals in Your Daily Routine
How To Use Crystals in Your Daily Routine
How To Create More Happiness in Your Home
How To Create More Happiness in Your Home
Being a Better Neighbor: Tips for Following Condo Etiquette
Being a Better Neighbor: Tips for Following Condo Etiquette

Post navigation

Online Dating Guidance
Is love healing?

Search the site

Categories

  • Body Positivity
  • Happiness
  • Health & Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Motivation
  • Relationships
  • Self-Confidence
  • Self-Improvement
  • Success

Our Courses

Understanding bipolar disorder
Making moments
Control: the art of self-discipline
How to eliminate self-doubt
Practicing patience
Building more positivity
21 steps to a whole new you
Success fundamentals
Emotional intelligence
Fears, worry and stress
Living life to the fullest
Couch potato to fit and healthy
Supercharge your brain

Quizzes

Are you a people pleaser?
Am I control freak?
Body Language quiz
Happiness quiz
Optimism quiz
Have you got a playful mindset?
How well do you handle stress?
Life balance
Test your positive thinking
Check your assertiveness
Self-Esteem Quiz
Test your mindset
Test your empathy
Find your animal personality
Am I depressed?
Am I confident?
Will my relationship last?
Are you body positive?
Are you too angry?

Free AudioBooks!

Disclaimer

This site is for your information and entertainment. It contains a variety of views, opinions, statements and comments. We do not vouch for the reliability or accuracy of such information. Where legal, medical or professional issues are concerned we strongly recommend you seek advice from appropriately qualified personnel.
  • Contact
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contributed Content
  • Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Quotes
  • Quizzes
© 2021 |