There is growing concern about the limited attention given to the vital importance of paid family leave. The United States is the only country of 41 higher-income countries that does not mandate paid leave for new parents or those with extended caregiving responsibilities. The burnout, stress and work-life balance challenges faced by educators have received renewed interest due to the many disruptions and changes to preK-12 schooling brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Post-COVID-19 mental health disorders in new parents
According to the American Psychological Association, research conducted over the past two years shows the urgent necessity for paid parental leave. The transition and changes experienced by new parents can be both exciting and stressful. They are forced to juggle caretaking responsibilities, financial insecurities, and face career uncertainty. This elevated stress can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. An estimated one of every five new mothers experiences mental health disorders in the postpartum period and as many as one in 10 new fathers also may be affected, according to a 2021 study in Translational Psychiatry.
The return-to-work dilemma
Most educators employed by school districts without paid family medical leave (PFML) cannot afford to miss out on months of salary, so, if they have not purchased a disability insurance policy that covers maternity leave, they often must leave their own children to care for other children. Many mothers are forced to return to work, in many cases only weeks after childbirth to maintain financial security. Upon their return they are often anxious and resentful, which is only compounded by used up sick time and worry as to what to do if they or their child becomes sick.
This "patchwork" system of leave is an undeniable burden to the heavily stressed school system. In my work with several educators, I frequently hear their expressions of guilt over missing work to make medical appointments or calling out sick for themselves or a child; adding more burden to their exhausted colleagues who often share similar concerns. This shame would not exist if the system was more resilient.
Widespread benefits of paid family leave
As more formal research has been conducted around the risks and benefits of paid vs. unpaid family leave, there is increasing evidence that paid leave is beneficial for the overall health of the family system. "Studies show that having 26 weeks of paid leave after childbirth benefits both the mother and child and is associated with decreases in postpartum depression, longer durations of breastfeeding and stronger infant attachment and development," as referenced in a 2021 article on hechingerreport.org. It’s proven to reduce financial stress and allow adequate parenting and caregiving. More specifically, the health benefits of paid family leave support proper adaptation in new families, show better recovery outcomes after childbirth and reduce psychological stress and marital problems. New research also shows the value of this bonding time in the developing "fathering brain," as fathers have the time and financial means to properly bond with their infant child. Parental benefits of paid leave also correlate with better child development outcomes. In 2022, a study titled "Baby’s First Years" showed that monetary support can positively influence early brain development, which includes language development and fewer behavioral problems.
The struggle to win PFML for Massachusetts educators
There are clear inconsistencies in school districts that offer paid family medical leave throughout Massachusetts, as discussed in a 2023 article from WGBH.com titled "Paid Parental Leave for Mass. Teachers Gains Traction." Very few school districts in Massachusetts offer PFML. School departments, districts and municipalities are excluded from PFML unless their governing body votes to opt-in. Educator unions are strong advocates for PFML and can use the contract bargaining process to establish paid leave. In addition, it is no secret that there is nearly equal bipartisan support for paid family leave, which is rare to see in our current socio-political climate.
So, the question is, why hasn’t national paid family leave occurred yet? According to a 2023 CBS News article titled "Teachers Say Lack of Paid Parental Leave Makes it Hard to Start a Family: ‘Should I Even be Working Here?’," the actual conflict relates to funding; should it be the federal or state government or the employer? MTA members must continue to advocate and bargain accordingly to enhance their benefits package and continue the push for necessary resources that support overall balance and wellness for educators.
