245: equal parenting

This is an interesting article, from German news site Deutsche Welle. It covers the impact of a German government policy, introduced 18 months ago, which allows new fathers to apply to take parental leave on two-thirds pay, so they can look after their child. And it seems to be taking off. Currently, nearly 20% of new fathers are applying for the leave - though most take a couple of months rather than the year they are entitled to. Whilst these fathers get to bond with their little ones, their wives or partners get to continue their career; and then the parents can swap. It's a gradual revolution, perhaps, but certainly it seems there is a shift towards parenting becoming more of an equally shared enterprise. That has to be good news for parents and their kids. (Photo from Deutsche Welle.)