Finally, tomorrow will be both Merdeka day and the day baby Ian is scheduled to be “forced out” of his cozy snuggly womb…if he decides not to surprise us and arrive today, or even, tonight!
Anyway, Pearl was chatting with her Brazilian clients and discovered that in Brazil, maternity leave is an ass-whopping 6 months and for dad at least 3 days! This is unthinkable in the most capitalist land in the world. Here we only get a whimsy 6 weeks if you have natural birth and 8 if caesarian. This is just barely enough for the moms to rest and get ready to start work again. What about spending quality time with the babies during the crucial first year of development? And the worst part is that for father, you get zilch, nada.
I have heard from my Scandinavian colleagues that in Sweden, Mom gets 6 months off, and another 6 months half-salary leave. And this is the best part: The dads get at least 6 months off on half the pay too! Here you can see the distinct difference between a capitalist and a socialist society.
However, all the good things, except for air, come with a price. For all the benefits of a socialistic society, you are burdened with a hefty tax (something like 50% in Scandinavian countries?). This is not too bad for the parents, considering the benefits they are getting, but this will be nightmare for the singles who do not enjoy any tax breaks!
What about maternity or even paternity’s leaves in other countries? If you have heard of any, please share a little in the comment page. If I get enough responses, I will draw up a comparison chart!
1 comment:
Dear Uncle CS + Aunty Pearl, wishing baby En-En a safe delivery. Take deep breath, both of you :->
Post a Comment