BASIC READING COMPLETION 4

Dads Need Time, Too

For many, nothing is as special as bringing home a new baby. Many countries across the world recognize the importance of time with newborns. In fact, 178 countries allow new mothers time away from work to care for their babies. In addition, these countries provide financial assistance. They give mothers pay for the time they are away. However, an international analysis by the Human Rights Watch questions whether families are given sufficient support. There are many factors involved in evaluating support. For example, some countries don’t provide part-time workers with the same assistance. But one of the biggest questions being asked is: What about dad?

Only around 50 countries provide time for new dads. As a result, some countries are reviewing their policies. Even Sweden, which gives dads the most time off of any country, is trying to improve its policy. They recently changed their laws so parents can take a total of 16 months off from work. Dad and mom decide how to divide the time. The maximum time one parent can take is 14 months. Since women traditionally take more time off than men, the government now gives families additional pay if the mother and the father share the time off evenly. And it’s working.

More and more men are taking the time. In fact, as a consequence of Sweden’s law, other countries are giving dads more time. In 2012, Britain changed their laws so that fathers can have up to 26 weeks off. These laws are leading to other changes. Some men are choosing to care for their children full-time. In Britain, the number of men staying home to care for children has tripled in the last 15 years. Dads need time, too. And in some places, they are starting to get it.

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER in each gap

1. Many people believed that the best thing is having .

2. There are letting mothers stay at home to take care of their babies.

3. Mothers also receive while they are at home with their babies.

4. The international organization Human Rights Watch is researching if families are providing .

5. The governments do not provide the same assistance for .

6. Because of no time off for new dads, some countries are renewing their .

7. Dads in receive the longest time off in the world.

8. New policies allow parents can stay at home with their babies for in total.

9. Parents will receive additional pay if they decide to take time off .

10. In 2012, British dads could stay at home with their babies for the maximum of .

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