Just How Much Time is The Right Amount Of Time? (Parental Paid Leave)

America has certainly come a long way in regards to the issue of parental  paid leave. For the first time, Both republicans as well as Democrats strongly feel that there are enough benefits in paid leave that government should play a role. Exactly how much time should be covered is still up for debate in the months ahead.

One thing's for sure though...based on a CNN review of more than 20 studies on the health impacts of paid parental leave on parent and child, it was discovered that most studies come to the same conclusion: Paid parental leave can have a significant positive effect on the health of children and mothers.

Alas, the question remains; how much time is the right amount of time? Forget politics for a moment, and how a paid leave system would ultimately be financed. How much time is best for babies, for mothers, or for the fathers involved?

Anyone who follows this issue knows the United States stands in an embarrassing position as the only high-income nation not to have a national paid leave policy. It is also one of only a few countries around the world without such a plan. 

One study concluded: Based on infant health, maternal health, gender equality and female labor force participation, it is highly recommended six months to a year of paid family leave.

The timing for such a conversation couldn't be more important,  as President Trump is calling for six weeks of paid parental leave. Ivanka Trump recently discussed the President's plan with Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and other Republican members of Congress. On the flip side a Democratic alternative calls for 12 weeks of paid parental leave.