Paternity leave question - taking it at 12 months or spreading it? | DadHQ

Forums Working Dad LifePaternity leave question - taking it at 12 months or spreading it?

Paternity leave question - taking it at 12 months or spreading it?

Jan 22·1 min read

My daughter is 4 months old and I have 12 weeks of parental leave available. Company policy lets me use it anytime in the first year. Wife's suggesting I take it all at once when she goes back at 6 months so she gets breathing room. But I'm thinking about spreading it - like 2 days a week for 6 months? Would rather ease into full-time work than the shock of being back 5 days a week. Am I overthinking this? What did other people do?

6 comments103 views

Comments(6)

RRandy M.New DadJan 23

Congrats on having that option at all. A lot of companies don't offer the flexibility. Four months is a good age to be thinking about this too.

DDannyRegularJan 23

I took mine all at once and honestly I regretted it. Going back full time after being home felt like a shock to my system. Spreading it would have been better for our family's adjustment too.

MMitch R.RegularJan 23

Talk to other dads at your company who've done it both ways. You'll get the real story about what actually works with your specific company culture.

LLou P.RegularJan 25

This really depends on your job and how much you'll actually be able to focus if you're part time. Some places don't have a good infrastructure for it and it just becomes stressful.

MMarcusRegularJan 25

Spreading it out seems smarter to me. Going back full time after a year off hits different than going back gradually. You'll ease into it better.

JJordan M.New DadJan 25

If you can spread it I'd lean that way. Takes some pressure off going back full time and you get to actually be present during different phases as she grows. Not every dad gets that option.