Going on extended leave today for 8 weeks and I am so looking forward to spending quality time with my son (and wife). He’s really starting to develop and is becoming more of a “person” every day.
To get a discussion going, any do’s and dont’s with a kid that age? Lifepro tips?
I just finished 9 weeks home with my son. He was 3 months when I started and 5 months now. It was a fantastic experience!
My wife was back to work so it was just me and him. The first month was a little slow but I really have gotten to see him wake up to the world over the last 5-6 weeks. The rate at which he has been learning and growing has been incredible!
A few random things that might help, just off the top of my head.
- it won’t always be fun. There will be hard times. There will also be amazing times. Don’t let the hard times get you down or make you miss the amazing times.
- If you don’t have one already, get a baby carrier. It was a huge help. The one I have is an Ergo Baby and I highly recommend it.
- pay attention to his noises before he starts crying. You’ll start to learn that he makes different noises for different types of upset.
- there are really only three types of upset at first. Hungry, diaper, and sleepy. In month 4 or so you’ll get the fourth type, boredom.
- when you get back to work, let your coworkers know that you are grateful for the opportunity. Many of them, especially older coworkers may not have had the same opportunity.
Good luck, have fun, take naps when he sleeps.
Edit: I just typed this all out, then noticed the post was a month old. I hope it’s going well!
