Partner Support and Paternity Leave: Insights from My Husband

Reflections from the School Run - Interview with my husband In the Women in Leadership: Insights to Impact Survey 2025, Dr Amanda Sterling’s research found that partner support emerged as first equal (at 42%) in the factors having the most positive impact on women’s leadership journeys. Interestingly, partner support rated more important than leadership development and flexible work arrangements – yet those initiatives receive greater organisational attention. It was this that prompted me to have a kōrero with my husband, Dos, about his experience taking 4 months of paternity leave when our daughter was 3 months old.   ❓ ❓ ❓ Kara: You took 4 months of paternity leave, what was that like? Dos: It was good. Really good. I enjoyed every moment of it. Kara: Why do you think you enjoyed it so much? Dos: Because I got to do new things with her every day. I’d never had this chance before. This was the first time I could take on the stay-at-home dad responsibility 100%.   DECIDING WHO WOULD STAY HOME Kara: How did we decide that you’d take paternity leave? Dos: I knew you were concerned about being away for so long. I wanted to step in and do my part as a dad. It wasn't a hard decision for me at all. Kara: Why didn’t I just stay home for the full six months? Dos: You had to do what you had to do and I wanted to do mine. It just made sense. Kara: Did my career factor into those discussions? Dos: Yeh, you were really starting to step up at work, the timing was off for you.   WORKPLACE REACTIONS Kara: How did your work respond when you said you were taking the full 4 months? Dos: They wanted me back at work as soon as possible but I wasn’t going to miss this time with our daughter. Even halfway through they contacted me and asked when I'd be back - I think they thought I'd change my mind. Kara: Upon returning to work, was there any negative impact to your career? Dos: Not at all. Kara: Have you ever seen other dads at work take paternity leave? Dos: I know a couple dads that have taken about 6 weeks. Others have asked me what I thought of my leave. I tell them, “I can’t answer that for you, but I can tell you I loved every second. If you want to know for yourself, you need to take that step.”   WORDS FOR OTHER DADS Kara: If you had to summarise your paternity leave experience, what would you say? Dos: I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. Kara: What would you say to other dads who are on the fence about taking longer paternity leave? Dos: Take it. Tomorrow isn’t promised, and you might never get the chance again. Time goes fast and before you know it, they’re adults.   THE TAKEAWAY Dr Amanda Sterling’s research highlights how powerful partner support is in women’s leadership journeys. I share my husband's thoughts as he didn't feel penalised or that he was giving something up. He LOVED his paternity leave. 💡 If we changed the narrative, how many more dads might take longer paternity leave helping to balance out responsibilities at home?! 💡