Just took paternity leave and honestly I'm terrified

1w ago·1 min read

I've got 6 weeks starting next Monday and I'm freaking out a little. Don't get me wrong, I'm pumped to be home with the baby and my wife, but I haven't been out of the office in 3 years. Worried about what's going to pile up, whether they'll forget about me, and honestly whether I'm gonna be good at staying home all day with a newborn. Any dads been through this? How do you disconnect from work mode?

4 comments193 views

Comments(4)

TTony M.Regular1w ago

Six weeks is actually perfect. Long enough to get into a rhythm but not so long that you lose your mind. Pro tip: have frozen meals ready before you start. You will not want to cook.

MMike R.Regular1w ago

That's normal. First time being the primary caregiver is intense. My advice: lower your expectations for the first two weeks. You're not going to keep the house perfect and the baby doesn't care. Just get through those weeks and let yourself adjust.

RRyanRegular1w ago

The terror is real but honestly it's way better now than it was even a few years ago. You've got way more resources, communities online, and other dads who get it. Lean into that. And don't be afraid to ask your partner questions even if they seem dumb.

PPhil M.Regular1w ago

Dude you're going to be fine. I was terrified too but those 6 weeks are going to fly by and you're going to have moments that change everything. Just remember that messing up is part of it. You're already winning by caring this much.