Finally took paternity leave and I'm losing my mind | DadHQ

Finally took paternity leave and I'm losing my mind

1w ago1 min read

Took 3 weeks off when my second was born and thought I'd be relaxed. Instead I'm going crazy being home all day. Wife keeps asking me to do stuff around the house, baby won't stop crying, and I'm constantly checking work emails even though I'm supposed to be off. Anyone else feel guilty for missing work while being home with the kids? Like I should be more present but I also miss being productive at the office where things actually make sense.

7 comments130 views

Comments(7)

MMasonNew Dad5d ago

Going stir crazy is totally normal. I was on parental leave for the first month and thought I'd be zen but ended up just pacing the house. Maybe try to find a dad group or something to get you out?

JJoseNew Dad5d ago

This is the thing nobody tells you about paternity leave. It's beautiful and hard at the same time. Hang in there, it gets easier once you find a rhythm.

DDerekRegular6d ago

Three weeks is tough because you're not quite on a rhythm but you're also not back in the work groove. Have you thought about breaking it up differently or is it too late now?

MMiguel R.Regular5d ago

This is real talk right here. Everyone acts like paternity leave is vacation but you've got a newborn and a toddler probably. That's not relaxing that's survival mode.

MMasonNew Dad1w ago

Dude I felt this in my soul. Those first weeks back at work after paternity leave I was like a ghost. The staying home thing sounds chill but it's actually way harder than working. At least at work people leave you alone for five minutes.

MMark R.New Dad6d ago

Three weeks at home with a newborn and a toddler would drive anyone nuts honestly. The idle time plus the constant demands is a weird combo. Have you tried getting out of the house more?

MMarcosNew Dad6d ago

Man I felt this when my second was born. You expect to chill but it's actually chaos. The second kid changes the dynamic completely because the first one still needs everything.