Shaun Thomas, Managing Associate recently took enhanced paternity leave and shares his experience of how enhanced leave can make a real difference when you welcome a new family member.
When my daughter was born over a decade ago, she was very unwell and spent ten days in special care. It was a scary, overwhelming time and just as we finally brought her home, I had to return to work. There was no chance to find my footing as a new dad, no space to be present for my partner or myself. I remember how disorienting that felt, having to switch instantly from survival mode at home to responsibility at work.
Time to truly show up
This time, things were different. With enhanced paternity leave in place, I was given the gift I didn’t know how much I needed: time to truly show up.
Our son was born via a planned C-section, which meant I could prepare both practically and emotionally. I arranged everything at work in advance – spoke to the team, handed over cases, scheduled check-ins – and when the day came, I was able to step away knowing things were covered. And then I could just be there.
Those first few weeks were intense, beautiful, and exhausting. My wife was recovering from major surgery and needed support in ways that go far beyond the practical. I was able to help with the baby, of course – but also with everything else that came with adjusting to life as a family of four. One moment that stays with me: two weeks in, we looked at each other and both knew we weren’t ready for me to return to work. We were still finding our rhythm. And this time, I didn’t have to rush back.
When it came time to return to work, I was able to phase things in. I didn’t come back to a mountain of cases – I had scheduled the return of my files over two weeks, taking things day by day. My team had my back, not just while I was away, but when I came back too. That made a huge difference.
To anyone preparing for this kind of leave, I’d say: plan carefully, communicate clearly, and hand over with care. Your team will manage – and you’ll come back to work feeling grounded, not torn.
An opportunity to build family bonds
What really struck me was the bond I built with my son in those early days. It’s something I didn’t get the first time around, and I genuinely believe the closeness we share now is rooted in that uninterrupted time together. At the same time, I could make sure my daughter – now 11 and navigating her new role as a big sister – didn’t feel left out or lost in the shuffle. That balance meant everything to us.
Looking back, what I valued most was simply the presence. The space to focus on my family without distraction or pressure. I could be the partner and parent I wanted to be. And that time laid the foundation for everything that followed.
A benefit that matters
I’ve spoken to friends who didn’t have this option, and they were genuinely envious. Not just of the time off, but of the full pay – because that’s a huge piece of it. Not everyone can afford to take unpaid leave, and this policy makes it possible for non-birth parents to truly engage in those early weeks of parenthood.
This kind of support isn’t just about convenience – it’s about equality. It shows that parenting responsibilities are shared, that both parents matter, and that showing up for your family isn’t something you should have to apologise for at work.
For me, this leave wasn’t just a benefit. It was fantastic opportunity to make memories with my family.
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