Just got back from paternity leave and feeling lost | DadHQ

Just got back from paternity leave and feeling lost

2w ago1 min read

Took 3 months off after our second kid was born and it was amazing but now I'm back at work and everything feels wrong. I missed my daughter's first solid food, her first time sitting up on her own happened while I was in meetings. My company kept my job but honestly I feel like I'm falling behind and my coworkers seem to think I've been checked out. Is this normal? Does it get easier or am I just supposed to accept missing stuff?

8 comments212 views

Comments(8)

DDannyRegular2w ago

That reentry is brutal. Three months in the trenches with a newborn and then suddenly you're back at your desk. The guilt is real. How are you managing the schedule with your wife and the kids?

JJamesRegular2w ago

I felt the same way when I went back. Missing the baby constantly while trying to focus on work is basically impossible the first month. You'll find your rhythm though.

AAlexRegular2w ago

Three months off is amazing man but yeah the readjustment is rough. You went from being fully present for every moment to being back in the grind. That whiplash is real. Give yourself some grace, it'll click back eventually.

DDusty M.New Dad2w ago

I felt this so hard when I came back after paternity leave. The guilt is unreal. You're not doing anything wrong though, you're providing for your family. Both matter.

VVincentRegular2w ago

The lost feeling is totally normal. You went from being the primary parent back to being the working parent. Give it a few weeks to adjust. The routine will come back but it's weird at first.

RRyanRegular2w ago

Crockpot meals on weeknights are your friend right now. Takes the cooking stress off when you get home and you can actually spend time with the kids instead of being in the kitchen.

TTobias K.Regular2w ago

This is rough. Talk to your wife about it if you haven't already. Sometimes just venting helps. And try to protect some time in the evenings and weekends to be present even if you can't be there all day.

SSam T.Regular2w ago

Are you able to do any early mornings with them before work? Even 20 minutes can help bridge that gap.