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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsA lovely read with pics - Alexis Ohanian Challenges Paternity Leave 'Stigma': 'Men Are Conditioned
to Be Breadwinners'
https://people.com/parents/alexis-ohanian-paternity-leave-essay-daughter-olympia-serena-williams/
Although Alexis Ohanian admits he never thought much about paternity leave before becoming a dad, taking those 16 weeks off turned out to be a big confidence booster and a foundation builder for him, his wife Serena Williams and their 23-month-old daughter Alexis Olympia.
In a recent essay for The New York Times, the Reddit co-founder, 36, opened up about why paternity leave is so important, despite men feeling a stigma around it.
While Ohanian understands that not every father has the flexibility to leave without the fear that doing so could negatively impact his career, he stresses the importance of paid family leave for everyone.
Serena and I were lucky enough to have help at home and many other advantages working in our favor. But even with all of that privilege, including my ability to focus solely on my family and not worry about keeping my job, it was still incredibly difficult, Ohanian wrote.
Nothing could have dragged me away from my wife and daughter in those hours, days and weeks and Im grateful that I was never forced to choose between my family and my job.
spooky3
(34,476 posts)mcar
(42,372 posts)and their baby is so sweet.
elleng
(131,107 posts)My son in law just returned to work, as a deputy sheriff, after 3 weeks of paternity leave, and last night he took the baby's big brother to the Nats/Reds baseball game.
He's a keeper!
Hug that man
elleng
(131,107 posts)they moved within 7 miles of me here 2 months ago, so I hugged him as I left and before he and big brother left for the game; Mom and baby entertained some of my daughter's friends last night.
Skittles
(153,193 posts)it never bothered me because it seems like an investment into the future - something that is in everyone's best interest
Caliman73
(11,744 posts)I would have loved to have been able to stay home and bond and provide care for my children. In my family of origin I was criticized heavily for changing diapers and feeding my eldest son with members of the family saying, "Why are you doing a woman's work?" I always responded, "This isn't woman's work, it is a good parent's job".
We are conditioned to be breadwinners, and often obligated to do so by society. I had and have no worries whatsoever about "my career" I work in a field that is dominated by women and likely considered to be a "woman's role" as a social worker. The problem is there was no way in hell that I could take 16 weeks off of my job, even if I were legally allowed to. I mean if I still had my full salary for that time and guaranteed position, then I would take it in a heartbeat.
I am glad that this gentleman with a large platform is taking a positive stance for men being involved in the caring and bonding with their children. It is a good thing. I hope that he uses the platform to advocate for policy that would allow it to become a financial reality.
malaise
(269,157 posts)Caliman73
(11,744 posts)For that I am very thankful.
malaise
(269,157 posts)monmouth4
(9,709 posts)malaise
(269,157 posts)since Sunday
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I think men should be able to stay home as well without any stigma. It is important for fathers to bond with their children - just as it is with mothers - I don't think it is any different.
Even thought the child is bound to the mother for biological needs, I think those early months are very important for fathers in bonding with their new babies. This should be mandatory as far as I am concerned.