In a move that has captured the attention of families around the globe, Sweden has once again set a new standard for family welfare by introducing a 'world first' policy that grants paid parental leave to grandparents. This groundbreaking legislation, which took effect on July 1, is a testament to Sweden's commitment to supporting family structures and recognizing the vital role grandparents play in childcare.

The new law allows Swedish grandparents to take up to three months of paid leave to care for their grandchildren during the child's first year. This initiative acknowledges the significant contribution that nearly two in five grandparents make in providing childcare, especially for grandchildren under the age of 13. The Families in Australia Survey report highlights that the proportion of grandparents involved in childcare jumps to 63 percent when the youngest grandchild is under 10 years old.

To access this benefit, parents must transfer a portion of their parental leave to the child's grandparents. This can be up to 45 days for a child's first year or 90 days for single parents, as per the guidelines set by the Social Insurance Agency, the government body responsible for administering Sweden's social insurance system.

Grandparents can now spend longer time with their grandchildren thanks to a pioneering policy by the Swedish government. Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

Sweden's social welfare system is renowned for its progressive values, offering 480 days of parental leave per child, with 390 of those days paid based on the parent's full income. The remaining 90 days are compensated at a fixed rate of 180 kronor (approximately $26 AUD) per day. This is a stark contrast to Australia's Paid Parental Leave scheme, which provides up to 20 weeks of payment, with a daily rate of $183.16 before tax, based on the national minimum wage.

While Australia does not currently offer the option to transfer parental leave to grandparents, some forward-thinking companies have started to implement such policies. The introduction of Sweden's new law has sparked a wave of enthusiasm on social media, with many Australian parents voicing their support for similar benefits to be adopted worldwide.

The sentiment is clear: families are seeking more work-life balance and better wages. The Swedish model could potentially inspire change in Australia and beyond, as it not only supports the workforce but also strengthens family bonds. Grandparents are often an integral part of a child's life, providing love, wisdom, and care. By compensating them for their time and effort, societies can acknowledge their invaluable contribution and provide them with the financial support they deserve.

Imagine the possibilities if such a policy were to be adopted in Australia. Grandparents could spend precious time with their grandchildren without the financial strain, parents could return to work with peace of mind, and children could benefit from the nurturing presence of their elders. It's a win-win situation that could enhance the well-being of entire families.

Key Takeaways

• Sweden has enacted groundbreaking legislation to allow grandparents paid parental leave for taking care of their grandchildren.
• The new law permits grandparents to take up to three months off during a grandchild's first year, with certain conditions for the transfer of parental leave from parents to grandparents.
• Swedish welfare and parental leave benefits are among the most progressive in the world, offering 480 days of paid leave per child, with compensation based on a person's income for the majority of those days.
• Social media users have responded positively to the law, with many suggesting that such a benefit should be implemented globally, and comparisons made to the Australian Paid Parental Leave scheme.

Members of the Seniors Discount Club, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this innovative policy. How do you think a similar system would impact your family life? Would you take advantage of paid parental leave to care for your grandchildren? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below, and let's discuss the potential for revolutionizing family time in Australia!

 

[Gaena]

I would not be holding my breath waiting for the Australian government of any stripe to be implementing this Swedish government policy, it is far too progresive for Australia and far too easy to be rorted, none of our government run social departments , (think center link and the ndis veteran affairs, medicare etc) are capable of organising something like the new Swedish policy it would just be a disaster that our taxes would have to pay for with no good end result.

 

[Tervueren]

Sounds like a wonderful idea - I will be watching the Swedish model very closely to see how it goes!

 

[Rob44]

I would not be holding my breath waiting for the Australian government of any stripe to be implementing this Swedish government policy, it is far too progresive for Australia and far too easy to be rorted, none of our government run social departments , (think center link and the ndis veteran affairs, medicare etc) are capable of organising something like the new Swedish policy it would just be a disaster that our taxes would have to pay for with no good end result.

That is an indictment both of our bureaucracy and the Australian way of life i.e. us. I can't fault your comment. We would have to increase our income taxes, as a start.

 

[Gsr]

As long as it is only allowed as part of the parental leave and money already handed out to new parents. I think the taxpayers already get slugged more than enough to support new parents who in reality should be able to budget for having a baby just like we used to have to do. There are a lot more needy people and causes this money could be spent on.

 

[Rob44]

The issue with Sweden is that young 'uns don't want kids as life is too good to waste time and money looking after them . So if Swedish yuppies or whatever the generational moniker happens to be, or not to be, can dump a babe or even two on grandad and grandmum, the young 'uns can have the fun to which they have become accustomed. And if the grandparents can make a buck out it, it might persuade their children to breed a bit more.

 

[Rob44]

I would not be holding my breath waiting for the Australian government of any stripe to be implementing this Swedish government policy, it is far too progresive for Australia and far too easy to be rorted, none of our government run social departments , (think center link and the ndis veteran affairs, medicare etc) are capable of organising something like the new Swedish policy it would just be a disaster that our taxes would have to pay for with no good end result.

That is an indictment both of our bureaucracy and the Australian way of life i.e. us. I can't fault your comment. We would have to increase our income taxes, as a start.

AAAAAAGH! Increases taxes! Whadarya, a commo????

 

[Knell]

AAAAAAGH! Increases taxes! Whadarya, a commo????

A Commie? Only if they wanna pay me the same amount of money to work as I can earn staying in bed...only if they wanna tell me I can't choose the car I want, or wanna tell me I have to catch public transport or pedal around...perhaps then I might think such comrade.

 

[Jest]

i am stuffed as to just how I brought up 3 children back in the 60s. Why doesn't everyone just hand their lives over to the government and be done with it. It appears they want the government to rule them. OH! just get a bloody life and now grandparents. Life is just one big bloody joke.

 

[Rob44]

A Commie? Only if they wanna pay me the same amount of money to work as I can earn staying in bed...only if they wanna tell me I can't choose the car I want, or wanna tell me I have to catch public transport or pedal around...perhaps then I might think such comrade.

How does one earn money by staying bed? But consider; if we earned money by staying bed, we wouldn't need cars, or public transport or even bicycles and it would end all commuter jams and car crashes. Definitely a cost-positive, win-win situation for all, comrade!

 

[Towing]

They'd still need a vehicle to do the grocery and other shopping unless they're going to order on-line and have it delivered. Some simply don't know how to stay home

 

[Rob44]

They'd still need a vehicle to do the grocery and other shopping unless they're going to order on-line and have it delivered. Some simply don't know how to stay home

Self-navigating Drones and AI delivering cooked meals and bog rolls through the bedroom window.

 

[Knell]

How does one earn money by staying bed? But consider; if we earned money by staying bed, we wouldn't need cars, or public transport or even bicycles and it would end all commuter jams and car crashes. Definitely a cost-positive, win-win situation for all, comrade!

...and more jobs eg Oshiya - professional people pushers on trains.
I really don't know anything about Socialist politics except there are a few different models I guess however my point was more about the high tax has potential to deter capable youths from doing the hard study and/or it to be an incentive to leave Aust. to pursue their career elsewhere...for better money...etc blah blah. But a LOT of trust in someone to do the job?? to make it work and 'stay the course' without the very human nature of greed and power.

 

[Rob44]

...and more jobs eg Oshiya - professional people pushers on trains.
I really don't know anything about Socialist politics except there are a few different models I guess however my point was more about the high tax has potential to deter capable youths from doing the hard study and/or it to be an incentive to leave Aust. to pursue their career elsewhere...for better money...etc blah blah. But a LOT of trust in someone to do the job?? to make it work and 'stay the course' without the very human nature of greed and power.

I was brought up in what was then a high-tax country, the UK. The incentive to study was my interest in my chosen future career and this was enabled by the high taxes contributing to my university fees and cost of living grant. I left because once I had done a few months work as a student in a clean country I realised just how filthy was the air in England, and it has got worse since then. What did surprise me was the rather poor public health systems in New Zealand and Australia when compared with the 1950s-1970s NHS in the UK. I think Scandinavia does public health better, and that was indeed a potential alternative, despite the taxes, to either NZ or Australia. But perhaps a bit too close to World War 3 as it was seen in those days; American rhetoric still hasn't improved since then. As for human nature; a balance of greed and altruism works best; too far either way cannot deliver a decent society.