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In Luxembourg, as in many European countries, the birth rate is falling. In this context, issues related to parenthood are becoming increasingly important, whether in terms of work-life balance, workplace organisation or support for young parents.
While the mental load and the day-to-day challenges faced by mothers continue to be highlighted, and rightly so, the role of fathers is also evolving. More and more involved, young dads are now seeking to find their place from the very first months of their child’s life.
To better understand this reality, we spoke to Julien (graphic designer) and Nicolas (HR Manager), both young fathers working in Luxembourg.
"You go to bed much earlier, otherwise you just can’t keep up"
For Julien, dad to a 4-month-old baby boy, the change was immediate: "You go to bed much earlier because otherwise it’s impossible to keep up. At first, he’d wake up several times a night."
The same goes for Nicolas, dad to a 6-month-old baby girl: "It’s a huge upheaval, especially at the start. You’re really tired, and there's a lack of sleep."
Beyond shorter nights, it’s your whole daily routine that changes. Less time for yourself, more logistical tasks and a need to completely rethink how you organise your life.
Finding balance as a couple
Very quickly, communication within the couple becomes essential.
At Julien’s house, night duties are shared: "My partner takes care of the first time the baby wakes up, and I take care of the second. And we try to give each other one full night’s sleep during the week."
The same applies to Nicolas: "You always have to talk about what’s happened during the day so you can take over when you get home."
Because, contrary to some common misconceptions, looking after a baby at home is a full-time job:
"People think you have time for yourself, but everything’s fragmented. You’re constantly being interrupted. It’s a real mental load."
Parental leave and remote working
Remote working can be a valuable ally, provided it is adapted. Julien explains: "I start earlier and finish earlier so I can spend the evening with him. And sometimes, I spend time with him during my breaks."
Once his child is 9 months old, he plans to take split parental leave, with one day a week dedicated to his son. This arrangement will allow him both to enjoy these moments and to reduce childcare costs.
In Luxembourg, fathers can benefit from paternity leave and parental leave to be more involved in the first few months, or even the first few years, of their child’s life.
For his part, Nicolas has opted for 50% parental leave: "I don’t regret it at all. It allows me to spend a lot of time with my daughter."
However, this organisation requires additional discipline: planning ahead, delegating and prioritising become essential.
Productivity at work: adapting to keep performing
With limited time and energy, working "as usual" is no longer possible. You have to adapt your methods. Working with a baby also means learning to stay productive despite feeling tired. And in this respect, organisation and discipline become essential.
Julien relies on a simple but effective method:
"I write down everything I have to do. It helps me avoid forgetting things, especially when I’m less focused."
He also admits to having tweaked his habits slightly: "I’ve started drinking coffee again, two cups a day, even though I’d given it up."
Nicolas, meanwhile, has completely rethought his work organisation, since switching to a 50% role: "I structure my days much more carefully and plan as far ahead as possible."
Starting earlier, prioritising, delegating and holding regular meetings with his team enable him to remain productive despite reduced working hours. He also emphasises a key point:
Establishing a good sleep routine and adapting to the baby’s rhythm is essential in the long run.
Finally, everyone finds their own little tricks to stay on track day to day: "A ginger infusion helps you keep going and is more pleasant than a shot."
Advice from new dads
Looking back, Julien and Nicolas share a few tips:
- Adapt to the baby’s rhythm;
- Communicate constantly as a couple;
- Be present in the evenings, even if the other parent is at home;
- Get some rest whenever possible.
They also share an unexpected "miracle solution": "When working from home, I’ve carried him in a baby carrier before, and he was calmer than in his pram."
One thing remains essential, according to them: "Just because your partner is at home doesn’t mean she isn’t experiencing a significant mental load."
Between fatigue, organisation and new priorities, becoming a dad profoundly transforms not only daily life but also the way you work.
One thing is certain: today’s new dads are seeking a balance alongside mums, in an increasingly shared approach to parenting, without neglecting their professional commitments.
Discover more articles on balancing personal and professional life on our blog.