Bob’s story: what Extra Time with my kids would have meant to me

Men need Extra Time. They're the minutes that can change everything, especially at the start of fatherhood. That's why this Men's Health Week, Movember are calling for improved paternity leave for men.

Paternity leave isn't just a nice to have. It means dads get crucial opportunities to bond with their newborns. Children grow up with present and engaged fathers, and are less likely to develop emotional and behavioural problems. And parenting duties are shared between parents.

Meet Bob

We spoke to Movember Ambassador Bob Flood, about what Extra Time with his children would have meant to him.

"Becoming a father has been the biggest and most rewarding change in my life. I now have three children and being their dad is something I'm incredibly proud of. Fatherhood has given me a completely different perspective on life and has reinforced the importance of being present, both physically and emotionally.'

The moment everything changed

'Leading up to my son's arrival, I felt a mix of excitement, responsibility and uncertainty. Like a lot of dads, I spent a lot of time wondering whether I was ready and what life would look like once he arrived. When Caleb was born, everything changed overnight. The time I had on paternity leave was incredibly valuable, not just for bonding with him, but for supporting my wife Becky and adjusting to becoming a family.'

Going back too soon

'What I wasn't prepared for was how quickly that time ended. Going back to work felt like a huge shift when we were still finding our feet as new parents. More paternity leave would have given me extra time to support my family, build confidence as a dad and be more present during those important early weeks. From a mental health perspective, it would also have eased the pressure of having to balance such a major life change with returning to work almost immediately. Those early moments pass so quickly, and having more time together would have benefited all of us as a family."

Now it's your turn to demand change

This Men's Health Week, demand greater paternity leave. Sign our partner, The Dad Shift's petition for improved paternity leave now.

And download our report on The Movember Institute of Men's Health: 'Extra Time With Dad: Improving men's health through UK paternity leave'.