Parental leave is a type of job-protected leave that allows parents to take time off from work to care for a new child or to bond with a recently adopted or foster child. The length of the leave, eligibility criteria, and compensation offered during leave can vary depending on the laws of each country and the employment agreement between the employer and employee. In some countries, parental leave is a legal right and is paid, while in others it is unpaid. The purpose of parental leave is to provide parents with the opportunity to balance work and family responsibilities and to support the well-being of the family.