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What are your top tips for dads going on paternity leave?

76 replies

RowanMumsnet · 30/01/2015 09:32

Hello

As you may know, the government recently announced plans for shaking up parental leave, with a new system of shared parental leave coming into force for those whose babies are born after April 2015. You can find more details about that here and here.

In the light of this, the Department for Business, Industry and Skills are looking to compile information for fathers who take paternity leave.

How do you approach being at home on your own with an infant, or with a baby and older siblings? Does it affect your sense of self, your approach to your career? How do you approach things with your employer, and - if you intend to go back to work - what things can you do (or ask for) that help to make sure that your career doesn't stall or suffer? What support do you need from the other people in your life, and what arrangements can you make (long term and day-to-day) that mean you get the most out of the time? And just how do you identify the best baby-and-toddler groups?

Thanks
MNHQ

OP posts:
Pointlessfan · 30/01/2015 10:25

I'm not sure I can suggest anything helpful but I do think it is difficult for dads to go to baby groups. All the ones I go to are very female with a lot of talk of birth stories, breastfeeding, cracked nipples etc. DH came with me once to playgroup and he stuck out like a sore thumb. Maybe there is a need for some groups aimed at dads as they will need that support network and social time on paternity leave just as much as we do.