PRESS-2015- MASSLIVE.com -New MA law grants fathers paternity leave

FULL ARTICLE HERE

Excerpts

BOSTON - When James Mahaffey, 37, of Boston, had a choice between renewing a contract with an investment company and starting his own media production company, he chose the latter. Part of the reason, he said, was he wanted time to spend with his newborn child.

Mahaffey, a father of two who co-founded a Boston dad's group and teaches classes for new fathers, said men he knows typically cobble together a couple of days of holiday leave or vacation time to take care of their babies.

Requiring companies to give new fathers time off, Mahaffey said, could have "substantial benefits to society as a whole."..

..Mahaffey said he hopes a cultural shift accompanies the new law, in which employers tell employees that it is okay to take the time off.

"One thing you'll have with men and fathers, maybe it's there, but it's unspoken or not really talked about enough that you should really take the time," Mahaffey said.

-thirst-

Fruitvale Station

It is my belief that fathers are some of the most influential men on the planet.  And this story focuses on a dedicated, loving father with a troubled past.  This is a true and tragic tale told well by young director Ryan Coogler.  It had great acting by Michael B. Jordan and was made with a modest budget of less than a $1m.    I can't say anything further about the film without spoiling it.  Just know that it's worth seeing and supporting now while it's in the theaters.  If you're like me and crave good filmmaking this is one way to reward it's practice.    

Click the image to view the trailer.   

"I'm not a ninja."

A little more than a year ago, my first and only child was born.  I recall her mother telling me: “You need to be quieter.  Close the bedroom door without making any noise and don’t scuff your feet or you'll wake the baby.”  Our little girl lay asleep in her bed not more than six feet away on the other side of this often creaky door.  I remember my whispered reply as I gently pulled the door closed: “I’m not a ninja.”  But apparently, my best attempt at being quiet was not enough.  And so begins my story.

Or shall I say, our journey…