Baby number two is coming soon and I'm taking 6 weeks off. Nervous about falling behind at work but also excited to actually be present this time. My first kid's early months are kind of a blur because I was dealing with a difficult project. Hoping to do it right the second time around. Anyone have tips for staying somewhat sane with a newborn and a 3yo?
Six weeks is amazing, congrats. Don't worry about falling behind - most good managers understand paternity leave. Those early weeks with a newborn go fast, so soak it in this time around. You've got this.
Being present for the second one changes the game. I took time off for my youngest and honestly it was the best decision. Work will be there when you get back, your kids won't get those weeks again.
Congrats on baby number two! The guilt about work is natural but misdirected. Your company will survive six weeks. What they won't do is give you this time back. Soak it in with your new baby and your family. This window closes fast.
Just coming back from parental leave myself and the 'falling behind' feeling is real but temporary. Your team will manage. Enjoy every second because you won't get this time back.
Six weeks is amazing. Don't waste energy worrying about work - they'll figure it out without you. Focus on being present with your newborn and supporting your wife. The work stuff will still be there when you get back and honestly nobody cares about the stuff you didn't finish.
Six weeks is amazing, man. Congratulations on the new baby. The work stuff will be there when you get back, I promise. Those first weeks go so fast. Don't waste them checking emails.
I took 8 weeks and still felt like it wasn't enough. Use every day to bond with the baby and support your partner. Work emails can wait, seriously.
This is gold right here. You're doing the right thing by taking it. My advice is don't check work email except maybe once a week and only if something is truly urgent. You'll regret spending paternity leave stressed about the office instead of bonding with your kid.
Sign in to join the conversation.
The guilt about work is going to hit anyway, so just accept it now and move on. Your boss will survive six weeks. Your baby gets one shot at being a newborn.