6 PATERNITY LEAVE TIPS FOR NEW DADS

“Take as much paternity leave as you can afford. And switch off your ‘work brain’”

“Have nappies and a change of clothes within arm’s reach at all times: there will be a poop explosion. It will happen, so don’t get caught unprepared”

“Work as a team with your partner and do some research in the lead up to the birth – there’s a lot to learn”

“I wish I knew, before taking paternity leave, how little you’re realistically going to achieve. You might imagine doing something big with all that time off – a week’s holiday in the sun with the family, maybe – and while I’m sure that’s possible, most days it’s a triumph if you’ve managed to make it to the store, or tidied up the house”

“Avoid over-planning – one activity a day with your child is plenty, then plan time for yourself”

“Know that you are no longer at the forefront of decisions made – your child will always come first”