Back at work after 8 weeks paternity leave - AMA I guess | DadHQ

Back at work after 8 weeks paternity leave - AMA I guess

Jan 91 min read

Just finished my 8 weeks with my twins (boy/girl, 2 months old now) and I'm back in the office part-time starting tomorrow. Not gonna lie, I'm excited to have adult conversations and drink coffee without someone needing something from me every 45 seconds. But also my wife has been home alone with both of them all week while I was "transitioning" and I felt kind of guilty about it. She's ready for me to go back though, so that helped. Anyone else deal with that weird combo of relief and guilt?

8 comments128 views

Comments(8)

BBrad N.Regular17h ago

The coffee thing made me laugh but real talk - don't let "adult conversation" become an excuse to check out mentally. Your wife has basically been solo parenting. Make sure you're actually present when you're home.

JJake M.Regularjust now

Wait until like month 4-5 when they start sleeping slightly more predictably. That's when you'll actually appreciate the leave more in hindsight. Right now it's probably just survival mode.

NNate H.Regularjust now

8 weeks with twins sounds absolutely insane. Respect for that. How's your wife handling the transition? Because going from tag-teaming to her solo for 8+ hours daily is rough.

CChris P.Regularjust now

This might be unpopular but the excitement about going back to work is healthy and honest. You can love your kids AND need adult time. Don't feel guilty about that.

HHarvey L.Regularjust now

Twins at 2 months is a completely different beast than single kid. Your wife deserves serious credit for keeping both alive and maintaining sanity. Don't downplay that when you're back.

LLuke N.Regular1d ago

Your wife has basically done 8 weeks of what she's about to do every weeknight now. Make sure you're actually pulling weight in evenings and weekends, not just "helping out."

PPete S.Regularjust now

Part-time is smart. How does your workplace feel about the flexibility? Some places love it, some resent it and make you pay for it later.

MMark A.Regular1d ago

One tip: the first few weeks back are rough because work feels easy compared to twins but then you get home and have to shift gears. Give yourself grace during transition time.