I won’t lie, I was very excited about the prospect of my first full night sleep in a hotel, with no baby interruptions. Unfortunately, due to the psychological trauma we had faced over the last few weeks, I woke up every hour startled, looking for a crying Little Bear. I probably felt more exhausted when I got back to London than when I set out… Since then, each time I’m abroad for work, I’ve been faced with mixed feelings: I’ve enjoyed the break, but also really missed my buddies (baby and his mamma) back at home...
Before, the office was where the drama, excitement and challenges were, and home was the place you came to relax. But having a kid changes that. Little Bear growing up happily starts trumping every ‘big’ issue at work, and you start getting more perspective on what’s important in life. If someone disagrees with you on something small, you feel less need to challenge them.
Of course, working whilst being an active dad has some professional downsides. Namely, an acceptance that I would have to operate in the office with at least 30 fewer IQ points (I think that just about reflects my inability to form proper sentences in meetings). My co-workers are (usually) polite enough not to comment on the bags under my eyes or the unkempt mess of my beard. And I have so far received no comments on the marks of baby vomit I find on my clothes around lunch time.
So all around you feel messier, more tired, and slower in the office than before. But at the same time things are just better. I’m looking forward to seeing how Little Bear's mum will manage with it, just as much as she’ll be looking at me settle into the full-time parenting role.
8 Comments
8/9/2016 10:11:39 pm
I find this a really interesting article. I am a stay at home mum and my hubby works. Whenever I'm panicking that I'm a rubbish mum because I've had a tough day with the kids, my hubby reassures me that my job is really hard and that going to work, for him, is a break! I always worry about distracting him from important work matters, etc, by sending photos or texting him about my day, but he encourages me to. This post has really opened my eyes to what it's like for the 'working' partner. Thanks #BrillBlogPosts
Reply
Dave
8/9/2016 11:19:17 pm
Thanks Lucy. Im really glad! Your husband will be loving those pics and updates I'm sure of it!
Reply
Dave
8/9/2016 11:20:31 pm
I should have also said that by 'working' I meant paid. It's a LOT of working looking after the kids full time too!
Reply
9/9/2016 11:52:11 am
Well, as someone who has been a stay at home dad now for four years, be prepared! Things are gonna change and at times it'll be tough. You will, none the less, get to spend precious time with your child. It;s something very few men get to do. Make the most of every moment. #BrilliantBlogPosts
Reply
Dave
9/9/2016 09:15:41 pm
Certainly will John! Cheers
Reply
9/9/2016 08:59:12 pm
Love the early morning chats:) I think its great that you guys are taking shared parental leave - good luck to you with bubba and good luck to Mummy going to back work. Lots of changes to come #EatSleepBlogRT
Reply
10/9/2016 04:09:51 pm
Awe it's lovely that you have taken such an active role already! My hubby was able able to take the first 2 weeks off with me when our children where born. I took the first year off with both but hubby still pulled his weight when he was home. I felt bad leaving him to go to work while i stayed at home. During the school holidays i will still send him pics of the kids even though they are 5 and 11 :) #EatSleepBlogRt
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI'm Dave, dad of Little Bear. Also known as 'Pappa' to the little man as we try and bring out his Swedish roots Categories
All
|