Companies are increasingly recognizing that supporting fathers through paid paternity leave not only boosts employee morale but also fosters a healthier work-life balance and strengthens family bonds. This shift reflects a growing understanding that paternity leave is not just a nice-to-have but an essential part of creating an inclusive, supportive workplace culture.
A Call to Men recognizes the crucial role that fathers play in the early stages of their children’s lives. Their support enabled me to embrace my paternity leave fully, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to nurturing healthy family relationships and supporting men’s emotional and mental well-being.
These past three months at home with my partner and our newborn daughter have been transformative. This period was vital and profoundly beautiful, filled with moments that will leave an imprint on my heart. Being present with my daughter from her earliest days has reshaped my understanding of fatherhood and the importance of fully engaging in her life.
Reflecting on the generation before me, it’s clear that many men did not take paternity leave because they likely weren’t provided the opportunity to do so. They continued working, driven by societal expectations and economic pressures. In doing so, they missed out on the invaluable bonding time of being present during their child’s early development. Sometimes, this absence impacted their connection with their children and most likely left them missing a crucial source of emotional support and guidance.
A distinct difference exists between being physically in the home and being truly present. During these months, I immersed myself in fully caring for my daughter — feeding, changing diapers, and soothing her cries. These moments, though routine, were opportunities to build a foundation of trust and love. It’s an experience that many fathers before me didn’t get to savor, and I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to do so.
The support I received from A Call to Men during this time was invaluable. They encouraged me to take paternity leave and provided the resources and reassurance I needed to embrace this role fully. Their dedication to supporting fathers in this way underscores their commitment to fostering healthy family dynamics and promoting gender equity.
Being a new father has been an incredible journey filled with challenges and rewards. The difference between simply being in the room and actively engaging is significant. True presence involves active participation and emotional connection, which A Call to Men understands and promotes. Their support helped me stay fully present, making this bonding period with my daughter and partner even more special.
Even though the value of paternity leave is increasingly recognized, access to it remains rare in the U.S., with only about 9% of employers offering fully paid paternity leave. This means many fathers are still missing out on crucial early bonding experiences with their children due to limited workplace support. These early days with my daughter have been a gift I will cherish forever. It’s a journey that I believe every father should have the opportunity to experience. As a society, we need to continue recognizing and supporting the critical role fathers play in their children’s early years. Being present is more than just being there — it’s about engaging, connecting, and creating lasting bonds. As businesses continue to see the benefits, paternity leave is becoming more common in the workplace.
For anyone reading this, especially new fathers, here are some takeaways that I’d like to leave you with:
- Prioritize paternity leave: Fathers should seize the opportunity to take paternity leave, recognizing the value of this precious bonding time. If your company offers it, please take it. Once the leave starts, set boundaries with work to avoid interruptions—turn off notifications and avoid checking emails.
- Be truly present: It’s not just about being physically there; it’s about emotionally engaging and connecting with your child and your partner. Include your partner in this bonding time by sharing caregiving duties and supporting each other’s rest and self-care.
- Challenge societal norms: Break away from traditional gender roles that “gender” certain responsibilities. Parenthood is a shared journey. Enjoy making the bottles, changing the diapers, going to the well-child check ups, and getting up in the middle of the night for the 2 am feedings (especially those!)
- Embrace the unknown: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Parenthood is new territory — it’s okay to navigate the challenges and rewards as they come.