THE Government did consider giving paternity leave, but decided not to because of the experience of other countries.
The majority of men in places like the Scandinavian countries did not take up the paternity leave offered to them, said Mr Wong Kan Seng, the Deputy Prime Minister, who is also in charge of population issues.
He did not provide details on the take-up rate, but media reports said that in Britain, for instance, just 20 per cent of fathers take the two weeks that they are entitled to when their wives give birth.
Thus, the Government here decided against paternity leave per se, said Mr Wong.
It opted instead for offering childcare leave and infant care leave that can be used by both fathers and mothers.
The new offer is a week of unpaid infant care leave a year for each parent when their child is younger than two years, and another six days of paid childcare leave for children under seven.
This, said Mr Wong, is a clear signal of the importance of shared responsibility in parenting.
He said: 'This is a more flexible arrangement...We would rather let the family decide, instead of the Government imposing so many conditions on the working people.'
According to Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong, the arrangement was also the outcome of a consensus that was struck between employers and employees.
His ministry held discussions with employees, union leaders and employers.
'We strike a balance, providing incentives that are workable and practical.'
Mr Wong, a father of two grown-up sons and grandfather of three, gave fathers his views on parenting as he urged them not to look at their leave as the only time to mind the children.
'They should help the wife look after the baby when they are off work and on weekends and at night when they come back.
'So to all men, please remember that your wife needs help when you are around.
'Spend a bit less time playing golf or doing other things and when the child is growing up, please spend a bit of time with them.'
