Parental leave3 Jul 2026First mayor to take maternity leave causes backlash in JapanThe BBC spoke with 35-year-old Japanese mayor Shoko Kawata about the criticism she received after announcing her plan to take maternity leave while in office.3 Jul 20262 Jul 2026A mayor in Japan announced her maternity leave - and got the whole country talkingIn the face of criticism, Shoko Kawata, 35, says she loves her job and is proud to be taking time off to have a baby.2 Jul 20265 May 2026'I'm pushing for better paternity rights after my wife nearly died'Nathan Barnes says the UK's statutory two-week paternity allowance is "ridiculously outdated".5 May 20263 May 2026SNP's free childcare plans branded a 'gimmick' in education debatePlans from the SNP to roll out more free childcare have been criticised by the Labour and Conservative parties.3 May 202626 Apr 2026'Parenthood can be costly and lonely - a free walking group can be vital'Daisy MacDermott from York started a walking group in her local area to connect with other parents.26 Apr 202620 Apr 2026Paternity leave in Guernsey: How does it compare?What is the difference in paternity leave laws in Guernsey compared to the UK and Jersey?20 Apr 202614 Apr 2026Paternity leave: 'Every dad should be entitled'Tom Jenkins wants to "see a cultural change" around paternity leave in Guernsey.14 Apr 202614 Apr 2026Call for dads to get more time off with newbornsGiving fathers more paternity leave "helps the mums as well", suggests one father.14 Apr 202615 Mar 2026'Having a family comes with a financial penalty'Employers on the island are not obliged to provide statutory maternity pay, squeezing family finances.15 Mar 2026...
