What Taking Time Off Did for My Family

In August, my wife and I had a child, it was amazing, and we had a blast. The week I was off work I answered phone calls, text messages and emails, closed deals, quoted new products, worked with vendors, and helped coach my coworkers.

I few months later, we made the decision for me to take some time off work and hang out with our rapidly growing bundle of joy. It is the best decision we could have made. I became a better father; I was able to truly bond with our child and I became a better husband.

Now having the whole family at home during Covid-19 we have really learned how to exchange duties more evenly and has allowed us to grow as a team full time. I’m happy to have had this time and look forward to the next evolution. Our Daycare is opening up next week and it is now time for me to get back to work and build my career so I can be there for her when school starts in a few years and take some time off to take her on adventures.

My advice to anyone thinking about paternity leave, take it! I never really felt comfortable with my daughter until I had her full time for a few months without watchful eyes. We both learned a lot about each other that we never would have without this time. Within 3 months she went from a stationary half-roller to racing around on her knees, supporting herself to walk along objects, and signing “more” when she wants food.