Sweden is known for its progressive family policies, and now it has enacted a groundbreaking new law to allow grandparents to take a share of paid parental leave.
The country's new law allows parents to transfer some parental leave allocation to the grandparents during a child’s first year.
Under the law, approved by the Swedish Parliament last December, parents can re-allocate 45 days of their joint 480-day allowance (240 days each), while a single mum or dad can pass on 90 days.
The legislation comes 50 years after the Scandinavian nation became the first country in the world to introduce paid parental leave for both parents.
Should New Zealand follow suit and allow grandparents to take parental leave?
Seven Sharp spoke to Dr Asha Sundaram, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics at the University of Auckland.
You've researched paid parental leave. Is paying grandparents a winning idea?
"I think so. I think it's what we'd call a win, win, win. Parents can get back to work early; children get time to spend with their grandparents, and society benefits because we have happy children and more adults in the workforce."
In these tough economic times, is it fair to say not all grandparents can afford to help for free?
"Absolutely. Here in New Zealand, we have more and more people over the age of 65 who are working; people are living longer, and they're healthier.
"If we can help them manage their finances and contribute to parenting and raising the next generation of New Zealanders while remaining engaged in the workforce, that's great. I think that's what [Sweden's policy] would help do."
Are there benefits for children, too?
"Yes. Research suggests that children who spend time with grandparents have better behavioural and cognitive outcomes. It's also beneficial to grandparents, and not only that, there's evidence that children who spend time with extended family also have better health outcomes."
Does this policy make things fairer for all?
"I do think so. My research suggests that during difficult economic times, businesses mandated to provide family leave can employ fewer women relative to men and promote fewer women.
"This exacerbation of the gender gap may be because employers think that women will not come back to work because they have caregiving responsibilities at home.
"If this policy can actually help women share caregiving responsibilities more flexibly, then I think that overall, it will help parents fulfil their career and family goals more effectively."
Do you think we should have the same policy in New Zealand?
"I absolutely think so. If it takes a village [to raise children], then why not involve more members of the village in parenting."
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