Parental Leave
2007-08-28 16:04:00.0
AUTHOR: Judy Turner
The Families Commission said today that parental leave should be extended to 13 months, including a month's leave for fathers.
About time! A baby's first year of life is so special, so miraculous that parents should spend as much time as possible with their newborn. Actually, I think a baby's second and third years of life are pretty special, too. The Brainwave Trust tells us that
At birth the baby’s brain is only 15% developed. Most of a baby’s brain development actually occurs after the birth – in the first three years of life. It is the child’s experiences during these years that enable the brain to grow. In particular, it is relationally-rich experiences which provide children with the ‘brain-food’ they need to grow into happy, secure and well functioning adults. Poor experiences during this time can have lasting negative effects on a child’s brain…and who they can become.
So if attachment to Mum and Dad is so essential to the healthy wiring of the brain, why on earth would we set targets to have Mums back in paid work as soon as possible? Isn't this going to cost us more in the long run? Frankly I'd like to see parental leave extended to 24 months or even 36! I'm an idealist when it comes to parenting and I know it's hard for parents to stop working, so I guess for now I'm just happy that someone has suggested extending parental leave.
Good to see the recommendation that Dads are considered worthy of some paid leave as well. I
Also pleased to see National's not dismissing it (immediately, anyway).