Maternity and paternity leave are steps in the right direction

Research indicates that maternity and paternity leave can significantly impact children's mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being by fostering equal parenting from birth. Jamaica's 1979 Maternity Act grants mothers eight weeks of paid leave, and since January 2023, public sector fathers receive 20 days of paid paternity leave. This policy encourages fathers' involvement, which studies show enhances children's cognitive and emotional development. Implementing family-friendly work policies in both public and private sectors can help create stable home environments, leading to a more harmonious society.

Stable families, stable adults

Jamaica Gleaner/22 Jun 2024

CONCERN ABOUT increasing violent and deviant behaviour in the country’s schools and streets has led policymakers, teachers and nation-builders on a quest for solutions.

In many instances, the search for answers leads to the home, with hints at a full-blown, poor-parenting pandemic. Having only recently celebrated Father’s Day, where father-figures were highlighted before the nation for positive influence on their children, families and communities. It is apparent that efforts are being made to recognise in a meaningful way the fathers in our midst and the important role they must play.

Just how do we go about creating the stable and healthy home environment which is so desirable? For babies, a home is more than a shelter. If we aim to build strong futures for our children, then the foundation has to be laid in the first days of their lives.

There exists a huge body of research that concludes that maternity and paternity leave are family-friendly solutions which could initiate a profound transformation in the society. This parental relationship impacts the child’s mental, physical, social and emotional wellbeing. For, here it is, from the beginning of the child’s life, both mother and father start parenting equally and, by so doing, set a good foundation for them to share duties as the child continues to grow.

The Maternity Act was passed by the Jamaican Parliament in 1979, giving expectant mothers paid leave of eight weeks to look after and bond with their newborns, without having to worry about their financial situation. A total of 120 countries has also enacted legislation which dictates maternity leave for at least 14 weeks. Benefits vary between countries, and the statistics indicate that European countries tend to be far more generous in their allocation of benefits.

CAREGIVER

Traditionally, the mother has been acknowledged as the number-one caregiver for the newborn. However, fathers are increasingly being recognised for their parental role, and not merely as breadwinners.

For instance, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has emphasised the positive impact of paternity leave on the well-being of a newborn. Studies have shown that involved fathers boost their children’s development, leading to better cognitive, social and emotional growth.

In January 2023, Jamaica introduced a law that men who work in public sector jobs are eligible for 20 days of paid paternity leave on becoming fathers, biological or adoptive. While it is not mandatory for the private sector to implement a paternity leave benefit, the concept of having men so involved in parenting could go some ways in helping to shape society’s perception of parenthood and family dynamics.

Parenting stereotypes are real, and breaking them down requires time and patience. For some men, it might take a while to get used to the idea of feeding and cleaning babies. There is a great deal of education needed.

Employers also stand to benefit from a shift in how children are raised towards becoming the next generation of political leaders, workforce and consumers. Various studies have suggested that this policy of offering maternal and paternal leave results in greater employee satisfaction and less turnover of staff.

It might be tough for a fledgling company to release employees three weeks at a time on paternity leave, but there are other arrangements, such as flexible working hours or remote work, which could help to facilitate this family-friendly policy.

It will take the collaborative effort of both public and private sectors to create a more familyfriendly work environment and, ultimately, a more harmonious society. If parents failed in their roles, their children, as adults, face a higher risk of becoming menaces to society.

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