Gifts Moms Actually Want: The Case for Paid Leave Policies
05/12/25
Every May, the usual gifts roll in: flowers, candles, brunch reservations. And while those gestures are kind, they’re no substitute for what many mothers actually need — time, especially after welcoming a new member to the family. Time to heal. Time to bond. Time to figure out how to be a parent in the middle of sleepless nights, recovering bodies, and brand-new routines. That kind of time isn’t found in a box with a ribbon. It comes from having access to paid parental leave.
America Is Still Falling Behind
The United States is one of only six countries in the world that doesn’t guarantee paid parental leave. In comparison, countries in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) average just over 17 weeks of paid maternity leave. Twenty-seven of those countries also offer paid paternity leave, typically more than two weeks for fathers or secondary caregivers.
That gap isn’t just a policy difference. It has real consequences for health, development, and family stability.
Paid Leave Is an Everybody Issue
The first weeks and months after a child’s arrival are a time of major physical, emotional, and mental transition for families. Parents are adjusting to new routines, navigating sleep deprivation, managing recovery, and building the foundation for a lifelong relationship with their child.
Paid leave gives families the breathing room to adjust without sacrificing financial stability. It allows parents to be present during a child’s most formative early moments and to begin their parenting journey with support, not stress. And when those young children have consistent, responsive care, they are more likely to develop strong attachments and have a foundation for future learning and well-being.
When parents have time to care for their children without the pressure of an unpaid absence, it reduces household strain and increases long-term stability. That support ripples outward. Families thrive. Children thrive. Communities thrive.
The Case for a Shared Investment
Perhaps the most surprising part of all this is that paid leave doesn’t have to break the bank. In many successful models, including a self-sustaining Paid Family and Medical Leave model currently being used in 14 states, funding works like Social Security. A small payroll contribution from workers and employers builds a shared fund. When someone needs to take leave, whether to welcome a child, recover from surgery, or care for a loved one, the fund supports a portion of their income.
It’s a system that makes leave more accessible and distributes the responsibility fairly. The alternative is what we see now: a patchwork of employer policies that leave too many workers behind.
What We’re Doing at Action for Children
Paid leave improves child outcomes, strengthens families, and builds healthier workplaces. Action for Children offers a 12-week paid parental leave program for all full-time employees. The benefit applies to all parents, regardless of gender or family structure. It reflects our belief that supporting families starts with supporting parents, especially at the beginning. We’re proud of this step and hope it inspires others to consider what’s possible.
A Better Gift
This Mother’s Day, skip the mug. If you want to honor moms in a meaningful way, advocate for policies that give them what they actually need: the time to be there when it matters most.
If you’re an employer interested in creating a paid leave policy, or if you’d like to learn more, reach out to Action for Children’s Advocacy Associate, Shea McHugh.
About Action for Children: Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.