Balancing work and home life There's lots of evidence that shows that daily involvement by dads is good for children, so how do you get the right balance?Tim Kahn has some ideas.

In this article

Think about your role Take time off work

Flexible work patterns Make the most of the time you have

Make life easier Stay-at-home dads

Before your baby is born, you'll need to consider how you and you partner will split your time to care for him. You may want to think about the following:

• How will you balance breadwinning and caring for your baby?
• Will one of you stay home or might you both work part-time and split the childcare?
• What will family finances allow?
• Will other relatives (or friends) be able to help look after the baby?
• What affordable childcare is available locally?
• Would you consider earning less in exchange for more time with your baby?

You may be entitled to two weeks' paternity leave. Find out if you're eligible.

Some fathers take some of their annual leave after the birth of their baby and others take a combination of paternity leave and annual leave. Consider what's most appropriate in your circumstances for you, your partner and your baby.

Your children will grow up so quickly, so don't put work before them. No one ever said on their deathbed: "I wish I'd spent more time in the office."

Consider working the hours that best fit your baby's waking hours

Does your job allow flexible working hours? If so, consider working the hours that best fit your baby's waking hours, and allow you to spend time with your partner and help out at home.

Find out if your employer has family-friendly work policies in place - these are available for fathers as well as mothers.

Getting involved in care when you have a new baby will not only help you bond with your baby but will also give your partner a break when she needs it most. So, for example, if you've been out at work all day, take over in the evening, even if it's only for half an hour. Perhaps give your baby a bath or take him out for a walk.

In the early days, time and sleep will be at a premium. If you have small children you could cook and freeze meals at the weekends to save time during the week. Here are some other ways to save time:

• Reduce household chores, such as ironing, to a minimum
• If you can afford it, consider having your shopping delivered

A growing number of men are giving up work to look after their children while their partners go out to work. There are now more than 100,000 at-home dads in the UK and many of them says it's harder work than a job, but much more rewarding.

It can sometimes be isolating looking after babies - you may not have the supportive networks that new mums enjoy and may be the only man at the local parent and toddler group.

If you're thinking of becoming an at-home dad, it's important to:

• Do at least one adult activity without the children once a week
• Keep in touch with the world of work, eg doing a bit of freelance work at home
• Talk to your partner so that a gulf doesn't emerge because you spend your time in a very different ways

To-do list

• Start talking with your partner about your hopes and expectations before your baby is born
• Use paternity leave and annual leave to enable you to have time at home
• Find out about family-friendly policies at work
• Gratefully accept all offers of help - don't try to be 'super dad'
• Make the most of every moment you have at home

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