Dad Days: The Joys and Challenges of Extended Partial Parental Leave.

Abstract

With 2 careers and 2 children already, my wife and I were unsure how we would manage adding another child to the mix. After meticulous policy review and planning, I proposed a year of partial parental leave. With 2 "dad days" a week, I bonded with our third child more deeply than I had known possible. Our marriage strengthened and domestic duties continue with a more balanced distribution. Research finds that paid parental leave policies benefit children, women, institutions, and societies with economic return on investment. Supportive institutional parental leave policies should be fair and flexible to promote gender equity, intergenerational health, and retention of talent. Patient needs and research questions are boundless, but family expansion is a critical period that requires extra time and attention as a parent. I am grateful that my partial parental leave plan permitted me to be where I was needed most.