I took 4 weeks off when my second was born and it was amazing but going back to the office is rough. My coworker asked how it was and I literally teared up talking about how much I'm going to miss being home. Pretty sure he regrets asking. Anyone else struggle with this transition?
Going back after paternity leave hit me hard too. You're juggling missing out on so much while trying to stay focused at work. Totally normal to get emotional about it.
Four weeks sounds amazing. I'm dreading going back after my leave ends. The time with the kids feels so precious and then you're back to the grind and missing everything.
Try to set up a morning or evening routine that's solid time with your second. Even 30 minutes of real focus helps when you're back in the office. It's tough but you'll get your groove back.
The adjustment is real. I went back after my first was born and it took a couple weeks to find the new rhythm. The guilt faded once I accepted that providing for them IS part of being their dad.
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Man, that transition back is brutal. I remember tearing up talking about it too. The four weeks go so fast and then boom, you're back to reality. Hang in there, it gets easier.