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nsuring
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ork
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amily
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alance
an important role. The extent of the supplement differs across
labour market sectors, and is an indication of employers’
generally positive view of parental leave.
In addition to parental benefit, there is a possibility of taking
paternity leave within the temporary parental benefit scheme.
Fathers who stay home from work in connection with the
birth of a child are entitled to 10 days of temporary parental
benefit. About 75 per cent of all fathers use these days, with
an average of 9.5 days used.
To achieve a gender-equal society and sustainable welfare, it
is very important that both parents are able to participate in the
labour market and take equal responsibility at home, for chil-
dren and household duties. A number of parental benefit reforms
have been introduced since the benefit was introduced in 1974,
extending the leave period and the distribution of days between
parents. In 1995, the equal distribution of parental benefit days
was introduced and 30 of the days were reserved for each parent.
In 2002, parental benefit was extended by 30 days and 60 days
were reserved for each parent. Based on its aim of strengthening
flexibility, autonomy and freedom of choice, the Government
has chosen to improve the conditions for both women and men
to take active and equal responsibility for parenting, without
diminishing their self-determination. Incentives for men to take
a larger share of parental benefit were improved by introduc-
ing a gender equality bonus in 2008. The bonus is intended to
promote gender equality in the labour market and with regard to
care responsibilities. It provides an incentive for parents to share
parental leave more evenly, thus allowing both to spend more
time with their children while recognizing the need for greater
flexibility and freedom of choice for families.
In general, according to studies by the National Social
Insurance Office in 2003 and 2007, parents are highly satisfied
with the chosen distribution of parental leave. Fathers were
more satisfied if they took a longer period of leave compared
with a shorter period or no leave at all. Fathers’ use of parental
benefit is increasing every year. When studying four-year-olds
it is possible to see a pattern of fathers taking longer periods
of leave with young children.
The percentage of fathers taking more than 121 days of
leave by the child’s fourth birthday has increased from 16
per cent for children born in 2003 to 22 per cent for children
born in 2008. Of children born in 2004, only 12 per cent had
a father who had not used a single day by the time the child
turned eight and the right to use days had ended.
A comprehensive model of family support should also
include the possibility of taking short-term leave when, for
example, a child is sick. Temporary parental benefit makes it
possible for a parent to stay at home to look after a sick child
under the age of 12 (or 16 in some cases). This benefit can be
paid for up to 120 days per child per year. For parents with
disabled children or children in need of extra care, there are
more generous systems available.
Childcare and out-of-school care facilities offering easy
access, good quality, high educational content and afford-
ability are necessary for parents to be able to reconcile work
and family life. The Swedish preschool system is intended for
children from the age of one until they start preschool class
or compulsory school, and is designed to stimulate children’s
development and learning in a secure and caring environment.
In 2012, just over 87 per cent of all Swedish children aged
one to five was enrolled in the preschool system. For older
children the rate of enrolment is higher, and 97 per cent of
children aged three to five were cared for in preschool or other
formal arrangements. Municipalities have an obligation to
provide preschool activities for children whose parents work or
study, or for children with a particular need for such activities.
Children of parents who are unemployed or on parental leave
with a younger child are entitled to a minimum of 15 hours
at preschool per week. Municipalities are also obliged to offer
525 hours of preschool free of charge per year, starting in the
autumn term of the year the child turns three.
All municipalities in Sweden now use the voluntary system
of a maximum fee for preschool and out-of-school care, with
a cap on parental fees. Parents are able to choose other child-
care arrangements besides preschool, such as family day care.
With the intention of increasing families’ choices regarding
early childhood education and care (ECEC), a voucher system
for preschool was introduced in 2006, and in 2009 it was
extended to include family day care. The voucher system is
a municipal grant that can be paid out to different forms of
ECEC arrangement under private management.
Enrolment at out-of-school centres is offered from the time
children begin preschool class until the spring term of the year
they turn 13. Children aged six to nine mainly attend these
activities. Approximately 83 per cent of children in this age
group are enrolled.
In recognition of the need for diverse forms of caring possi-
bilities to meet different family preferences and circumstances,
municipalities were given the option of introducing a child-rais-
ing allowance in 2008. The aim is to give parents the opportunity
of spending more time with their children. The child perspective
is fundamental in this initiative, as well as the fact that families
are different and that the needs of children vary. The child-
The best interests of the child should be at the heart of family policy
Image: Pernille Tofte