In California, men accounted for 51% of bonding claims filed in 2025; when the state program started in 2004, men made up about 18% of claim applications. California's program offers, within a year, up to eight weeks of paid bonding leave for parents after a birth, adoption, or foster care placement. That's on top of six to eight weeks of paid disability leave that moms get to recover after birth. Campana, who works at an ad agency, said having the time off not to think about work — or worry about losing income during that time — was crucial for him and his family during a sleep-deprived period. Campana took paid time off in May after the birth of his son — just as he did for his daughters. Campana said he initially wasn't sure if he should take paternity leave because of lingering gender stereotypes.
WinstonNPR reports that in California, men accounted for fifty-one percent of bonding claims filed in twenty twenty-five.
AsherWhen California's program started in two thousand four, men made up about eighteen percent of claim applications. What does the bonding leave actually cover?
WinstonThe program offers parents up to eight weeks of paid bonding leave within a year after a birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
AsherAnd that's different from leave to recover after giving birth?
WinstonYes. Moms get six to eight weeks of paid disability leave to recover after birth. The bonding leave is on top of that, and it's for parents.
AsherCampana is a parent who works at an ad agency. He took paid time off in May after his son's birth, as he had for his daughters.
WinstonCampana said he initially wasn't sure about taking paternity leave because of lingering gender stereotypes. What did he say the time off meant for his family?
AsherCampana said not having to think about work or worry about losing income was crucial for him and his family during a sleep-deprived period.
WinstonThat part stands out to me: not just being off work, but not having to worry about income while he was off.
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