In much of the U.S., demand for licensed infant care outstrips supply. Parents face lengthy waitlists, hefty waitlist fees, and few good options when returning to work after the birth of a baby.
American mothers are working outside the home now more than in any other past generation. As a consequence, dads have greater household responsibility, especially when it comes to child-rearing.
Tricia Olson gave birth to her son and was back on the job three weeks later. Like most Americans, she doesn't get paid family leave, and she's among the 40 percent who don't qualify for unpaid leave.
Social scientists see long-term benefits to new dads spending a few months caring for a baby. But these studies won't nudge fathers to take leave if they still see a work culture that frowns on it.
Netflix decision to offer unlimited paid leave to new parents grew out of a culture that already offered unlimited vacation. It's part of a plan to attract the most talented employees possible.
It's paid paternity leave, which is the law in an increasing number of low- and middle-income countries, but not in the U.S. Research shows that time off for pops can provide lasting benefits.