This week it was announced that the government plan to let couples share the 52 week allowance for maternity leave (of which for anyone are only 9 months on SMP)so that fathers can have more time with their child and the mother can go back to work but I've been thinking that this isn't really ideal.

I think that although it brings some kind of equality into parental leave it does not do enough.

I am wondering why it hasn't been thought of that a great idea would be for the couple to have joint leave therefore being able to spend 6 months together as a family, allowing to bond as a family rather than on a individual basis. I believe that the early moments are the most important for bonding. It also provides support for each parent and I believe would allow couples to find a level of intimacy in going through the early happiness and tiredness together.

Surely in an age of equality and discrimination men and women should be given equal rights to what they are offered with maternity/paternity leave?