Fathers around the country report that they would like to spend more time with their children; it is important to remember that paid family and medical leave could have a real impact on new dads who are striving to balance work and family. Ensuring that everyone has access to paid family and medical leave—and encouraging both men and women to use it—also is an important tool for achieving equality.
California, which has had a paid family leave program in place for almost 11 years, is a great example of the difference that paid family leave can make for new fathers and male caregivers.
Emily Baxter is a Research Associate for the Economic Policy team at the Center for American Progress.