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ShareMumbai: We rely on babysitters, maids and grandparents
Idon’t think parental leave is an unjustified demand by fathers. In the United Kingdom, it is very difficult to find maids, this makes it incumbent upon the partner to share the responsibility of bringing up a child. After a child is born, a father’s presence is also equally important. Moreover, if a mother takes leave for a longer time, then she runs the risk of losing her job.
Moreover, the responsibility of parenting in the early stages must be shared by both father and mother. India is still to warm up to this concept. In our country, employers may not grant long leave. Secondly here, we have substitutes, parents hire maids and babysitters. Sometimes even grandparents look after a child. Hence there is no need for us to go in for such legislation.—Amarr Upadhyay, TV actor
I found it tough when hubby wasn’t around
With the concept of a nuclear family coming into prominence, it is very important to expect both parents share equal responsibility after the birth of a child. Moreover it is important to understand that attending to a newborn is not easy for a mother alone, as she is recuperating. When the father avails leave, it can certainly boost her confidence.
At the time of my son’s birth, Kabir (my husband) was with me and had availed leave from his assignments. But when my daughter was born, he was on an assignment in New York. It was very difficult for me to manage alone in those days. Similarly, it must be difficult for people who work in corporate organisations. It will be a perfect situation for a couple, if the government made a law and granted paid paternity leave for men.
—Mini Mathur, anchor
I availed six months’ leave to give emotional support
In the case of a newborn, parenting requires a lot of care, time and dedicated effort. Both mother and child need good nourishment and attention. A woman needs enough monitoring, since she needs to regain her original strength. I availed six month leave from my professional assignments to be with my wife and child. Women need assistance in domestic chores, and emotional support to tide other problems. I don’t know how it can be executed in India, since corporate organisations are not known to be so lenient.
Moreover, a family also needs money to run the household. In many homes, men are sole breadwinners. There should be some provision for flexible paid leave for at least six months in our country. It may be troublesome to the employer, but this burden is small in comparison to the need of a father’s paternity leave.
—Rohit Roy, actor
Time ripe for modern parenting ideas
I will welcome the move of giving paternity leave to fathers after the birth of a newborn. This will be of great help to the mother, who experiences emotional trauma, post delivery. During this time, if a father is granted leave, he will be able to spend quality time with his family. Also, the child will get equally attached to the father. Though the infant is too young to understand this, the child may eventually accept the fact that the father will be around at home, while the mother has resumed work.
—Kejal Khiraiya, mother of a two-year-old
Increase maternity leave instead
A six month paternity leave is not feasible. I wouldn’t like to take such a long break. My wife has availed a three-month-long maternity leave andsomeone has to work to maintain the cash flow. Raising a child is not easy and one needs enough money to give the child the best opportunities available. Also, I don’t think a father can take care of a newborn like a mother. Women are hardworking and dedicated unlike men. Such responsibilities will only come with time. I think it will be better to increase maternity leave.
—Sam Kurian, father of a newborn baby
Not sure how many men will put career on hold
Men don’t have the maternal instincts which women possess, but if they are given enough time with their child they may develop it over a span of time. Paternity leave is a good option, since it will help create a bond between father and child. My husband didn’t take leave, while I was expecting a child, however I wished he was around. As for a six month long paternity leave, I’m not sure how many men will be willing to take such a long break and put their career on stand-by. Both parents should shoulder equal responsibility.
—Dhwani Mehta, mother of two kids
Fathers must realise their important role
We should increase the period of paternity leave in India too. I got week-long leave, under the provisions of law. But I would have loved to take a longer break. Fathers too have an important role to play in a child’s life. Why should we only burden mothers? I don’t think a six month long break should affect anyone’s career. Organisations must open up to the idea of a father also sharing responsibility for household chores as well. A father-child bond is required early in life, so that they can carry on a long innings.—Prashant Acharya, father of a one-year-old
We also should change nappies and feed kids
Every father will love to have long paternity leave. After all, we must spend time with our family, when they need our presence the most. At the same time fathers should be prepared to do tasks like changing their child’s nappies and feeding food to the newborn. An individual works to earn money for the family to give them happiness and comfort. It’s best if you can fulfil the same by being close to them. Moreover every working man dreams of having a long holiday once in his professional career, so this can be a good opportunity.
—Raj Chauhan, father to be
