My Days with a Baby!

According to the research, about 30 % of young fathers in Japan are interested in taking child-care leave; however, the number of those who actually have taken it is less than one per cent.

I was surprised to know that about 70 % of fathers are NOT interested in taking some time off from work to spend more time with their newborn babies and to support their wives. If you come home early, it is not necessary. However, the regular Japanese businessmen work from 8:00 to 22:00, and that means they are away from home from 7:00 to 23:00.
I understand that most of those young fathers are also at very important stage stages of their career track, and they might think working hard is the way they can support their families. In a way, it's true. Money is very important, especially in this modern world where sending children to school is becoming more and more expensive. However, as a mother and a wife, I sometimes feel just being there is the best thing all the fathers can do for their families.

Having said that, I do not intend to blame fathers for not putting their families before work. I feel sad that the current situation makes it difficult for fathers to involve more be more involved in parenting, unlike mothers. It is still not easy, but mothers who want to work basically have a positive image. They are often praised with the words like, "Oh, you work while raising a child? That's great." On the other hand, the same words towards fathers are hardly heard.

Good luck, working fathers!

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