The arrival of a baby is a real revolution in the home. After the stay in the hospital, it is time for the parents to get involved in the care of the newborn without leaving aside the rest of the domestic and family obligations. A somewhat difficult puzzle to put together for which coordination between the parents will be essential.
For a few years, maternity and paternity leave have been equated until in January 2022 they were established at 16 weeks for both. Family reconciliation and the increase in the participation of the father in upbringing are aspects of which there is an increasing social awareness. Whether you have expanded your family or are new parents, certain issues should be taken into account so that the new situation does not become difficult for you.
The constant attention that the little one requires and the lack of countless hours of sleep can cause the laundry to accumulate, the pantry to be emptied or the general cleaning of the house to be neglected. This period is an ideal time to reorganize household chores and gradually assume your new daily routines. It is important that you get along so that, for example, while one cooks or does the shopping, the other is available to prepare bottles or change nappies, and try to change roles.
Visits is another aspect that can overload you. Your trusted circle will want to come home to meet the baby and surely also give him a gift. Managing them properly is vital to prevent these encounters from saturating you or becoming an invasion of your privacy. At this point, a greater involvement on the part of the father is convenient, since the mother still accumulates an obvious physical wear and tear due to her pregnancy and it will be difficult for her to attend all these visits. This should be an endearing moment and if a friend or family member begins to question your upbringing, change the subject or find a distraction so as not to cloud the situation.
Work requirements may have deprived you of the time needed to tidy up the baby’s room. During the leave, you can dedicate yourself to acquiring or placing his new playground so that he has a safe area to play when he grows up. You will also have time to build your wardrobe and select which clothes from the older brothers you can take advantage of for the little one.
It is clear that paternity leave is not a vacation, but there is also time to enjoy! Despite being tired, taking a walk with the family and socializing for a while will help you clear your head a bit and recharge your batteries. At least until the next night on watch.
