Between 2001 and 2006, the number of dads who took a family leave of absence increased significantly from 38 percent to 55 percent. Most of them returned to work quickly, within a month, but the increase is still worth noting.

"Wes Kee wasn't originally going to take a leave for the arrival of his first baby, but his son's premature delivery led him to revise those plans - and six months at home with the newborn changed his outlook. 'I enjoyed it. I liked being there with my son. It was bonding time,' said Kee, 34, adding that he would stay home for the birth of another child."

Whether for a birth or adoption, more new fathers are beginning to understand how much impact they can really have in the life of a child, whether directly, or indirectly simply by helping the mother. Read more at CNews.Canoe.ca.

Find help for parents of teens at ByParents-ForParents.com in the form of parenting tips and articles about teenagers.

Labels: fathers, laws, leave