More dads taking paid family leave for a new baby, sometimes as much as moms are
A growing number of fathers are utilizing paid family leave programs to bond with their newborns, with some states seeing men apply for leave at rates equal to or higher than women. This trend reflects a cultural shift toward more equitable caregiving responsibilities.
Why it matters
Increased paternal leave participation is a significant indicator of changing workplace policies and societal norms regarding gender roles in parenting.
Karlo Campana is usually outnumbered these days. He has three young kids under age 4.
On a recent Saturday, he played a mini-game of basketball with his two older kids in their Southern California home, shooting a ball into a hoop on the door, while his baby boy watched from his bouncy chair.
This story was produced in partnership with KFF Health News .
Campana took paid time off in May after the birth of his son — just as he did for his daughters.
It's sometimes called "bonding" or "family" leave, to distinguish it from the paid leave ("maternity" or "disability" leave) that mothers can take to physically recover from childbirth.
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