What do you think about paternity leave?
By Amber
@AmbiePam (128533)
United States
July 29, 2026 6:48pm CST
In America, standard maternity leave is six weeks. Of course, it varies for certain jobs, and I’m sure some companies are much more generous.
It’s only fairly “recent” (25 years?) that paternity leave has become more common. Usually the father doesn’t get the full six weeks, but he often gets a week off. I’m all for paternity leave. Not every new mother has a family to help her recover and take care of the baby (at least in the daycare I worked at the baby had to be at least six weeks old to be cared for) while she recovers. If the mother got six weeks off I think the father should at least get two.
Now, I can just hear people without children disagreeing with me. I can even hear some clueless women say six weeks is even too long for a woman to have off after childbirth. To that, I say, you’re dumb. Do you have any idea what the body goes through in childbirth? The poor women needs to recover, and she deserves for the father to get a little time off to help too.
What is your opinion on paternity leave?
23 people like this
24 responses
@toniganzon (81880)
• Philippines
30 Jul
Our country has paternity leave since 1997. It's also 7 days and applies up to the fourth child of the legitimate spouse.
But we also have what we call a "transferred leave." it's allowing the working mom to transfer 7 days of her maternity leave to the father, making the paternity leave 14 days.
6 people like this
@toniganzon (81880)
• Philippines
30 Jul
@TheHorse Mothers are entitled to a 105 days of paid leave and an additional 15 days for solo mothers. For those who are married who want to transfer 7 days to their husbands or chosen caregiver, it will be deducted to their 105 days of paid leave.
4 people like this
@BelleStarr (61668)
• United States
30 Jul
My grandson got three months of paternity leave when his son was born. It was a big help to his wife and it gave him a chance to bond with Oliver.?
5 people like this
@kareng (83896)
• United States
30 Jul
My son in law got 6 weeks off after the birth of Nolan. I went to help out for a week, but they were doing fine with the baby. It was his first and he is learning how to be a very hand's on dad! Very proud of him! It also allows some bonding time with Dad!!
Back in the late 80's when I had my set of twins, I got 6 weeks off and my husband 0. He took off the day of delivery and the day I was discharged that went against his vacation time. If ever there was a time I needed help that was it!! My mom lived close by and would come over some days to help out but she was limited in what she could help with.
4 people like this
@sallypup (69948)
• Centralia, Washington
30 Jul
When I had my daughter we were pretty poor. I had to go back to work as a waitress pretty soon after. I could feel that I wasn't really ready for physical work. My hubby cared for daughter. Due to his caring for so early and due to his being a great nurturer they are still very close.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (170736)
• United States
30 Jul
If the father uses it appropriately, I am all for it. If he just goes out partying with friends instead of helping at home, I am not. My first husband saved some vacation days to help out, because my mom basically stayed one or two days with each child.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (213599)
• United States
30 Jul
I say why not? Fathers should have a chance to bind wuth, and take care if their infant as well.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (88079)
• United States
30 Jul
Funny how it’s really popular now that men can have it. 
All in favor of it.
All in favor of it.3 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (40066)
• Toccoa, Georgia
31 Jul
My Son got Paternity leave with the birth of his first child. I think it is a good thing.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (57737)
• Canada
30 Jul
Here mothers can take 12-18 months off with pay for maternity leave.
Fathers can take up to 6 months with pay, which comes off of the mother's allowed time off, as it is through the government. It could have changed, I am not sure.
I got 15 weeks back in 1989.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (141231)
• Marion, Ohio
30 Jul
I don't mind them getting the time off
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (125813)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
30 Jul
Paternity leave is needed in businesses.
2 people like this
@thedevilinme (5681)
• Northampton, England
30 Jul
COuple more rounds of golf for dad. lol. Its a very middle class thing here.They can afford to take it. Here its frowned upon as a weakness if dad takes time out.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (63541)
•
30 Jul
When my youngest had her first baby, she was given 12weeks maternity leave,that is what they give where she works. Honestly it didn’t go well and she couldn’t have gone back in six weeks. Son in law was given three weeks, then I stepped in and stayed a month. We made it work. Yes, I think fathers should get the chance to bond with their children and to help at home!
2 people like this
