Question about paternity leave options

Nov 271 min read

Baby #2 is due in 6 weeks and I'm trying to figure out my leave situation. Company offers 4 weeks paid but I'm wondering if I can stretch it somehow. My wife gets 12 weeks but her income is higher so I'd rather her have the option to come back if she wants.

I've heard some guys talk about taking additional unpaid leave or using vacation days. Has anyone successfully done a hybrid approach where you take some weeks off then go back part-time for a bit? What did you do and how did your employer react?

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Comments(4)

WWill T.Regularjust now

I did 6 weeks with my second by combining paid leave + unpaid leave. First 6 weeks my wife was back part-time and I had the baby. Worked out perfectly. Might be worth asking if your company does phased returns instead of just straight 4 weeks paid.

RRandy S.Regular11h ago

This is the move honestly. She makes more, she's got better leave, let her be the primary caregiver for those first 12 weeks if that's what makes sense. You being home 4 weeks is still huge and then you can both ease back in. Congrats on #2.

ZZack M.Regularjust now

The fact that you're actually thinking about what works best instead of just taking your 4 weeks and dipping is solid parenting before the kid's even here.

MMark A.Regularjust now

Some companies let you use PTO to extend paid leave. Check if you can stack your 4 weeks with unused vacation days or ask about unpaid FMLA—still protected but obviously no paycheck. Worth having an actual conversation with HR about what other dads have done there.