Best time for parental leave

As a new father, it can all feel pretty overwhelming at first. The joy of finally holding that little being in your arms is immense. But then come all the questions: What’s next? When is the best time to take parental leave? And how can I arrange it so that both my partner and I benefit from it?

I want to share with you a few tips and thoughts from my own journey through parental leave. Maybe they’ll help you find the right time for you and your family.

Der erste Gedanke, der bei vielen aufkommt, ist, dass die Mutter nach der Geburt die meiste Zeit mit dem Baby verbringen sollte. Das ist auch völlig verständlich, vor allem, wenn sie vielleicht die Hauptverdienerin ist oder die ersten Wochen nach der Geburt körperlich herausfordernd sind. Aber der beste Zeitpunkt für dich als Vater, Elternzeit zu nehmen, hängt von verschiedenen Faktoren ab.

When is the ideal time?

There is no single perfect time, but I can tell you that it makes sense to spend the first months together as a family. Many fathers choose to take parental leave during the first two months after birth. This gives you the chance to really get to know the baby, to support, and to grow together as a family in those first weeks. You’ll notice how important it is not only to be there for the mother but also to actively engage in caring for the baby.

In the first weeks, it’s important that you have your partner’s back. Even if she’s excited about the baby, the lack of sleep and the physical strain after birth can be very challenging. The first weeks are a good time to take parental leave so you can help her with everything—from changing diapers and feeding to household tasks.

If you can afford it financially, take the first two months off. The advantage is that you’ll be there for your family during this intense adjustment period while also building a strong bond with your baby.

Another good time for parental leave is when your partner goes back to work. During this phase, it can be very helpful for her if you take on the responsibility for the baby so she can focus on returning to her professional life. You might also want to split your parental leave into parts and take the first months in smaller blocks, so you can be there for the mother whenever she needs support.

I personally split my parental leave and coordinated it with my partner. This way, we were able to share the responsibilities, and each of us had enough time to rest as well. It was a very good solution that helped both of us get through the first months.

No matter when you decide to take parental leave, communication is key. Talk openly with your partner about what works best for both of you. You might want to create a flexible plan that allows you to adjust your parental leave as needed.

There are also many fathers who take their parental leave after the initial adjustment phase, when the child is a bit older and the mother may already be back at work. This is also a great opportunity to further strengthen the father-child bond.

By taking parental leave, you show not only your partner but also your child how important it is to grow together as a family. You are a role model for your child and also for other fathers who might still be unsure about whether to take parental leave. Your commitment is a valuable contribution that has a positive impact on the whole family.