Our second kid is due in 6 weeks and my company is offering 4 weeks paid paternity leave. Financially I could probably swing 6-8 weeks unpaid but Im worried about the impact on a big project at work. Did any of you take more than what was paid? Is it worth it or am I overthinking this?
I took the full 4 weeks paid and honestly wished I'd done more. Second kid is chaos in the best way and those early weeks go so fast. If you can swing the extra unpaid time without stress, I'd say go for it.
Can't speak to multiple kids yet but if your company will hold your spot and the finances work, taking that extra time is huge. You won't regret it.
If finances are tight, see if your company lets you split it or take it intermittently. I staggered mine so I could be home a few days a week for the first couple months. Helped us adjust to two kids without going crazy.
Take it all. Trust me. The financial hit won't compare to missing those early weeks. I've heard too many guys say they wish they'd taken more time.
Four weeks is solid. I took three weeks with our first and felt like I could have used one more. With a second kid coming you'll want that time to bond with the newborn AND help your older kid adjust. I'd take all four if you can swing it.
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With three kids I only got 2 weeks the first time around, so 4 weeks paid is solid. The unpaid weeks would be worth it if your family can handle it financially. Those first months are irreplaceable man.