My second kid is due in 6 weeks and I'm considering taking 3 months paternity leave instead of the usual 2 weeks. Money will be tight but I don't want to miss this time. Anyone else do the extended leave? Was it worth it? How did you manage financially? My job said they'd hold my position but I'm still nervous about falling behind.
Do it. I didn't take enough time off after my first and honestly regretted missing out on bonding. Plus your partner is going to need real support, not just you helping on evenings.
Dude, take it if you can swing it. Those first few months with your second go by so fast and your wife will need the help more than you think. The money stress is real but you won't regret the time.
I took 3 months with my third and honestly it's one of my best dad decisions. Yeah finances were tight but being there to help with the older kid and the newborn made everything smoother. Worth the belt-tightening.
Your second kid arrival is chaos in the best way. Three months would let you actually be present instead of jumping back into work mode right away. The memories are worth more than the extra paychecks.
Curious what your work situation is like - are they being flexible about it? My company was supportive but I know that's not universal.
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Three months is the right move if you can swing it financially. I took two months with my third and wish I'd taken more. Those early weeks go fast and you'll want to be present for the chaos.