The Rise of Maternity Leave for Dads. It’s been 6 months since Tom left his job and I wanted to share some feelings on the process. I always get very mixed reactions when I tell people about our family dynamic. I’m always conscious that this was such a big life goal for us and that for many it might not currently be a possibility. That being said a few people have also said that their husband or their dynamic would not work well at all doing the same. Each family and relationship is different so whilst it might not everyone’s cup of tea it is working so well for us. I’m so thankful Tom gets to see the kids as much as he does when they are so small. Who knows what the future might bring but we’re enjoying this time in our lives for now!
Before Wilf was born, Fritha and I both worked full time, Fritha in a job that she didn’t greatly enjoy. So she was glad to go off on maternity leave and was pretty sure that she wouldn’t return if she could help it. She started blogging when we moved into our first flat. While she was pregnant the blog developed into being more about her life and experiences and the beginnings of our family. She was able to make a small amount of money relating to blogging and along with some other social media related work she was able to become self employed (and more importantly not return to her old job).
When Wilf was approaching three years old a part-time member of my team at work was retiring and so we would be hiring a new person. By this time Fritha was earning more money from blogging, so after crunching some numbers asked I to drop down to four days a week. This was one of the best decisions I/we have ever made. I got to spend a whole day a week doing things with Wilf. For anyone considering working 4 days a week or some for of flexible working I would say go for it. You won’t regret it.
Shared Maternity Leave
The Rise of Maternity Leave for Dads and Shared Maternity Leave was a great opportunity for Mabli and I to bond, but also allowed for me to spend much more time with Wilf before he started school. And as it turned out it was a bit of a trial run for what was to come..
Fast forward a year from going back to work and our part time child care for Mabli was coming to an end. By now Fritha was drowning in work and Wilf was about to finish his first year of school. So as the summer holidays approached I decided to man up (the real type of manning up) and become a stay at home dad!
I’d love to know your thoughts on our decision and if you have any questions then do drop them below! x
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