Took paternity leave and feel guilty going back

D

5d ago1 min read

Just finished 6 weeks off after my daughter was born and I go back to work tomorrow. Wife and I are struggling financially so I couldn't take longer but man these past weeks have been special. She's so tiny and changes every single day. I know this is normal dad stuff but I feel like I'm abandoning them. How long until this feeling goes away?

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4 comments159 views

Comments(4)

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MMikeRegular5d ago

First day back is always the hardest. You're going to miss her but you're also not going to be able to just stare at her all day anyway. It gets easier after the first week.

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FFrank M.New Dad4d ago

Make sure your wife knows you're struggling with this. This is normal new dad stuff and she's probably feeling it too.

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SScott M.Regular5d ago

The guilt fades. What matters is you took the time when it counted. Your daughter will never remember those six weeks but you will. You did the right thing.

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FFrank M.New Dad4d ago

That guilt is real but it's also normal. You just spent six weeks being fully present and now you have to shift gears. Give yourself grace. You're still the dad who took paternity leave.

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