Dedicated to my amazing wife; mother of my two children and to all new parents welcoming their new additions. On how to maximize paternity leave and make the most of this precious time with your family.
On March 25th, our family joyfully welcomed our second child, adding more love and joy to our lives.
My paternity leave was an incredibly rewarding journey. Therefore, if you’re able to take time off for a new child, minimize work distractions to get the most out of your paternity leave.
Maximize Your Paternity Leave:
- Be prepared and expect the unexpected. Parenthood changes everything. Embrace this new reality and clear your schedule to make space for the unexpected, even with support. Make sure your calendar is clear of all non-essential items so that you can focus on your home front and maximize your paternity leave.
- Be in communication with everyone everywhere. This cannot be overstated enough: preparing for paternity leave is crucial. First, activate your out-of-office email and inform colleagues of your temporary absence. And then, prioritize open communication with your partner to ensure a positive bonding experience with your new child. Specifically, communicate how you’re feeling and what you each need during this period to make the most of your leave.
- Be mindful and seek balance often. Sure if you can find time to go to the gym, do yoga, run, bike or do some mindful meditation then by all means do it. Whatever you need to do to find an outlet and balance, then give yourself that gift and opportunity. Striking a balance amidst the changes that are occurring will help you manage this life change. Maximize your paternity leave by finding time for these activities. For instance, remember that runs may become shorter with a stroller. Whether it’s a quick sprint or a longer walk, prioritize breaks when needed. Get creative and find ways to fit them in – your well-being depends on it during your paternity leave.
- Be sure to breathe. Sounds simple right? Change on any level can produce anxiety and that can produce shallow breathing amongst other more detrimental outcomes. Breathing can be your best friend and get you back to center. This is an exciting and magical time and since you want to be there for all of it, remember to make the most of your paternity leave by breathing well.
- Be patient with yourself and others. New parents: remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. Be patient with yourselves and your little one – they won’t be dressing themselves anytime soon. Maximizing your patience can contribute greatly to making the most of your paternity leave.
Master Certified Coach for Leadership Development
As a master certified coach for leadership development, I’ve observed that the principles of effective leadership translate beautifully to the realm of parenting. Just as a leader guides their team, parents guide their children. Qualities like patience, clear communication, and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges are essential in both roles. Embrace the opportunity to hone these skills during your paternity leave. View the experience as a leadership training ground, where you can practice active listening, empathy, and the art of balancing multiple priorities. These lessons learned in the crucible of new parenthood will undoubtedly make you a more effective and compassionate leader in your professional life and help you maximize your paternity leave.
Final thoughts:
First time parent or not, spending time with your child is key to bonding. Paternity leave specifically is not just good for proud papas, but also for kids. According to one academic study, they found that men who stayed home after birth were more likely to be involved in their child’s activities later on, and that their kids did better on cognitive ability tests. If you’re curious about where you and/or your company stacks up when it comes to this type of leave, take a look at this article. Truly, maximizing your leave benefits both you and your child.
The floor is yours: What’s your tip to blocking out time for the important stuff?
Please share your insights below! We appreciate your comments, and they offer a learning opportunity for all our readers.
With leadership,
Joshua
www.JoshHMiller
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