In this mini-episode, we’ll get into the life-changing benefits of dads taking parental leave. Georgie Dent, CEO at The Parenthood — an organisation advocating for better parental leave, child care and flexible work — answers your questions about how paid parental leave works in Australia, the common misconceptions men have about it and why it's so critical for dads and their families.

Key takeaways:

• When dads take time off to care for a new baby, it’s not just good for kids — it’s better for both parents’ mental health too
• You don’t need to be “naturally good” at caring for a baby — confidence comes from time spent doing it, not from instinct
• Paid parental leave in Australia is becoming more flexible, making it easier for dads to share the early months and learn together with their partner
• Even if some people judge the choice, taking parental leave can be one of the most important things you do for your family — and it helps make it easier for the dads who come after you

More resources:

You can follow The Parenthood on Instagram and check out their website for more resources here.

What it’s like to take parental leave as a dad

Why paid parental leave for dads is so important

Got questions or feedback?

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.