How Paternity Leave Helps Dads’ Brains Adapt to Parenting

The available science shows us that the early involvement of both parents in a child’s life contributes to stronger mental health for the mother, and healthier parent-child relationships. 

Bonding early on can have far-reaching impacts on a child’s life. It helps the cognitive, neurobiological and physical health outcomes that are foundational to th... See more

Research finds that fathers who take paternity leave (and in particular two or more weeks of leave) are more likely to have better relationships with their children.

Specifically, fathers who take leave show better communication with their children, are closer to their children, and their children see them as a more involved parent. The positive imp... See more

A Swedish government study showed that for every month of parental leave taken by the father, the mother’s future annual salary can increase by almost 7%.

Men who spend time with their children report a boost in happiness and fulfillment that may also extend to the workplace. In one 2018 study, 60 percent of men described childcare hours as “very meaningful,” almost double the percentage of men who described paid work that way.13 At the same time, many new fathers also discover a newfound appreciatio... See more

The cultural context around paternity leave is changing, as more countries and companies are offering the benefit to new fathers. Worldwide, 90 out of 187 countries offer statutory paid paternity leave,2 with almost four in ten organizations (38 percent) providing paid leave above the statutory minimum.3 In OECD countries, men’s use of parental lea... See more