Work-life balance is something most of us strive for and it usually requires saying no sometimes, even to important work obligations.

If you’re a superstar and saying no means disappointing fans, the decision can be much harder. But it’s one Chance the Rapper was willing to make after his second daughter Marli was born.

Many men don’t get the luxury of paternity leave (or if they do it is unpaid – just as it is for many mothers who do not fit into the strict standards set by the Family and Medical Leave Act). And while some do, they simply don’t take it.

By making paternity leaves more visible, men can help normalize an act that demonstrably improves family life.

Chance the Rapper drove home the point in a personal way in his Instagram caption, saying he wasn’t willing to give up what he did the first time around with his daughter Kensli:

“When Kensli was born, I went on tour 2 weeks later and missed some of the most important milestones in her life, but more importantly I was absent when her mother needed me the most. At this point as a husband and father of two I realize that I can’t make that mistake again. I need to be as helpful and available as possible to my wife in these early months of raising Kensli and Marli.”

Research into paternity leave is fairly recent, but a new study shows that children whose fathers took at least two weeks of leave reported feeling closer to them than children whose fathers did not take time off.

Writing in the New York Times, journalist Nathaniel Popper talked about his own paternity leave – taken at a time that was not particularly convenient for his career – and the effect it had on making him feel closer to his son. He also mentioned soon-to-be-published evidence showing that men who took paternity leave reduced their divorce risk, even up to six years later.

Paternity leave isn’t just about helping fathers bond with their babies but about taking some of the pressure off mothers as well as figuring out how family life will work with an extra person around.

Since paternity leave has long been a benefit many Europeans receive there is even more evidence from across the pond that it leads to more active and equitable parenting.

But while we applaud celebrities like Alexis Ohanian or Dwayne Wade (who missed just 6 games with the Miami Heat but made headlines for his commitment to his family nonetheless), it’s not the same for regular guys.

Just like women, men get judged for taking time off. Studies show that taking paternity can leave men with a reputation for being a poor professional citizen. It can also affect earning and promotions in the future.

That’s part of the reason it’s important to praise men publicly for doing the right thing for their families. Normalizing paternity leave can help reduce the stigma and consequences surrounding taking time off for family.

While there’s nothing to be sorry for, Chance the Rapper apologized to his fans in the same Instagram post:

“I apologize because I know how many people were counting on seeing me soon, but I hope you’ll understand and forgive me in time.”

He also offered his fans refunds if they aren’t able to make it to the new, postponed dates.

But what he’s doing is admirable. Yes, it comes from a place of privilege – he will still be rich and famous after his leave – but his willingness to make the move and do it so publicly helps open up the conversation for everyone else.

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Source: Chance the Rapper via Instagram, New York Times, Journal of Social Issues,