Parent-Child Bonding
Quality parental time with our newest family members—either from birth or adoption—is critical to their health and happiness. Paid Family & Medical Leave
(PFML) is a key element in the fundamental bond between parent and child, establishing a trajectory of development throughout childhood. Parents with
access to paid family leave are more likely to breastfeed, attend their child’s doctor’s appointments, and watching for milestones.
Ease Parental Stress
Forcing new parents to choose between their children and their jobs ignores the balance that is attainable through paid parental leave policies. PFML allows families to adapt and tend to the needs of their children without suffering dire financial consequences that compound the stress of new parenthood and may have long-lasting effects. Lack of paid parental leave increases the risk for maternal postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders. Poor parental mental health weakens parent/child attachment and the ability to prioritize the child’s needs.
Reduce the Child Care Burden
Infant childcare is prohibitively expensive and scarce. In Kansas, the average monthly cost for children aged 0-17 months is $743 or $8,916 annually according to Child Care Aware of Kansas. Kansas families also face a scarcity of slots even if they are able to cover the costs as many areas of the state are characterized as childcare deserts. Having PFML gives families more time to consider the best childcare option without hurriedly placing their child in a less than ideal situation. Being able to spend some time at home will also allow families to save on their childcare costs during the most expensive first year of life.