Due to go on additional paternity leave, any advice?

FUNKYDADDIO

Hi Folks,

I`m due to go on 3 months additional paternity leave quite soon and my wife will be going back to work for the last 3 months of the 9. I will ask on the relevant board but was wondering if any local MSE followers had done this? If anyone has can you advise of what their is to do for dads and tots in the greater Belfast area and also what am I entitled to? I know its basically SMP for 3 months but is there anything else i.e. does the dental etc.. that my wife currently gets transfer over to me? Any advice greatly appreciated Thanks..

wifeforlife

No practical advice, I would just say enjoy, it goes too quickly!

butterflymum

Always worth checking:

http://www.netmums.com/belfast/whats-on albeit most things possibly more suited if you also have older children.

And keep a look out for any similar groups to:

http://www.netmums.com/belfast/local/view/baby-toddler/parent-toddler-groups/dads-and-toddlers-3

for 'dad specific' ideas in your area (and many groups are mixed, eg mums, dads. grans, grandads etc all welcome, so check for those too)

And look out too, for free copies of NI4Kids, which often advertise activities to take your baby along to, or check their online pages at:

http://www.ni4kids.com/default.aspx

If you have a leisure centre nearby with swimming pool, you could check for 'parent and baby' swim classes as well.

And remember, even over Autumn/Winter months, parks can be great places to go to together. Good exercise for you and new environments/sensations for baby to enjoy.

julie97au

If you're in a Surestart area, register with your local surestart, I know ours has mornings for dads and lots going on and there are quite a few fathers attend with their children

BigAl94

God help employers!

FUNKYDADDIO

BigAl94 wrote: »

God help employers!

What do you mean Al?

AO78

The free dentistry is in relation to your wife's dental health after pregnancy/childbirth rather than the reduced income! So she will still get that.

Most libraries have free rhyme time (or rhythym and rhyme) sessions weekly of fortnightly which my daughter enjoyed at that age. There weren't loads of men attending when I did, but those that did certainly received a warm welcome <rolls eyes>.

If you pick your time right, the soft play centres usually have a baby area and at that age are cheap. But they can get very busy, so first thing opening or near tea-time can be good times to go.

Have fun!