The Working Dads Reflect series continues. Today’s interviewee, Rod, touches on an important issue for parents: life as a couple after baby arrives. Rod has an 8 month old daughter and has been fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with her, however, he’s not finding enough time to spend with his wife. This interview proves that when it comes to parenting. men and women really do have many of the same concerns… The truth is we should be are all in this together.
What is what has most surprised you about parenthood?
How hard it is. You’re told it’s hard but you don’t know until you’ve experienced it.
What were your hours like before being a father? Have they changed?
My hours were 5am to 11pm, they haven’t changed at all.
What are your hours like now?
Constant working hours — no hours to yourself.
Do you find yourself thinking you wish your life had more balance?
Yes, I wish I could balance time alone with the wife.
Did you take parental leave? If no, why not? If yes, how long and what was your experience like? Was it paid leave?
Yes I took 3 wonderful months off! [a combination of paid family leave, vacation time and sick time]. Before the 3 months I was able to take 3 weeks off then I went back to work. When my wife went back to work I took my 3 months off. It was paid up until one week before work.
Do you feel that you spend enough time as a family?
No
Who does more of the cooking and cleaning at home? Percentage?
No cooking done in the house. Not enough time between work, family and yourself. Cleaning is about 50/50 with the help of a housekeeper every other week.
What do you think is the biggest issue parents face today?
Finance
If you could change one thing in the way you do things now, what would it be? Why? I would like to try and spend more time with just the wife. I think too much time is spent thinking about the baby and not about ourselves or how you’re doing.
After you babies were born, how did you find time to spend with your significant other?
Read more about the Working Dads Reflect series and the first interview!
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