Question about paternity leave - need real info | DadHQ

Question about paternity leave - need real info

Dec 271 min read

First kid on the way. My company offers 6 weeks paid paternity leave. I'm thinking about stretching it to 8 weeks unpaid (so 2 extra weeks I'd have to figure out).

Is that crazy? Is 6 weeks enough? My wife is taking 12 weeks and we're wondering if it makes sense for me to be more present those first 2 months or if I'm overthinking it.

Also curious: did you take paternity leave and actually TAKE it (not work from home)? Or was that unrealistic?

6 comments161 views

Comments(6)

RRob K.RegularDec 29

Also depends on your wife's situation - is she going back to work after? Because if you're both out for 8 weeks and then she goes back to work, week 9 is going to be ROUGH. Make sure you have that plan figured out

TTravis N.RegularDec 29

6 weeks is the bare minimum - would NOT recommend. 8 weeks total (6 paid + 2 unpaid) is way more realistic. First month is pure survival mode, second month you're just starting to understand your kid and not be a zombie. 8 weeks lets you actually be present

PPete S.RegularDec 28

6 weeks sounds fine until you're living it and realize your wife needs actual support, the baby sleeps 4 hours a day max, and you're both running on fumes. If you can swing unpaid, do it. The money matters less than being there

RRob K.RegularDec 30

Not crazy at all. I took 8 weeks (6 paid + 2 unpaid using PTO) and honestly would've done more if I could. The ramp-up period for a newborn is intense and having 2 extra weeks made a huge difference for me and my wife

OOscar D.New DadDec 29

The real question is whether your company cares if you take unpaid time. Some places are cool with it, some act weird about it. Worth having a private conversation about whether there's any flexibility before announcing plans

DDex J.New DadDec 30

I took exactly 6 weeks and it was enough for US but I also had family help. If you don't have that safety net, push for the 8. No regrets either way but more time is never worse