What They Don’t Tell You About Paternity Leave

Halfpoint Images/Moment/Getty Images The first month that you have a child is life-changing in ways that are hard to describe. While there is plenty of scientific research to back up the idea that fathers get their brains rewired by having a child, the biggest change that occurs is that your concept of time is forever altered. And that’s why, at the start of your child’s life, you need to take some time off. Taking paternity leave is one of the most important things a dad can do, not just for their partner and their child, but for themselves. This may seem obvious on paper, but the vast majority of men who have access to reasonable paternity leave benefits end up not taking advantage of it. Don’t become a statistic. Your time will become more precious to you than ever before once you’re a parent. And paternity leave is the only buffer you have to get yourself and your family adjusted to the new normal. Here’s how dads need to advocate for paternity leave, and what to do with your time once it happens. Paternity Leave Should Be a Given SimonSkafar/E+/Getty Images Regardless of the job you're in or the pay structure, the conversation with your boss about leave shouldn’t be a question of permission, it should be a conversation about how much time you’re taking off. There may be some legal questions about what your state is technically obligated to offer you, so certainly do your homework first. But, even in the absence of a clear paternity leave policy, you shouldn’t be begging …