Sharing the care: Peter

Peter Jasiutowicz - is a Mortgage Credit Assessor in the Operations team at ING. He recently took a number of weeks paid parental leave to be with his family following the birth of his second child in October 2019. This is his story, in his own words.

When I tell friends and family about ING’s parental leave policy, their jaws drop.

Wow. That’s what I thought when I first heard about our new parental leave policy. I was in disbelief at first. It didn’t even register that I was eligible - I had to ask a few people to make sure! It was perfect timing as my wife was due with our second boy, Zachary, at the end of October 2019.

When I told her about the 14 weeks leave, she suggested I save a bit. I planned on taking three weeks when Zachary was born, but after seeing how hard it was looking after a toddler and a baby, I knew I needed to be home for as long as possible.

The difference was massive compared to the first time round with my first son, Jacob, three years ago. That was two weeks leave and back to work. This time I was able to take more responsibility for Jacob, so my wife could focus on Zachary.

Jacob’s just turned three so he’s very demanding and needs a lot of attention.  While I was off I taught him how to ride a bike, helped with potty training, hung out with him at the park and took him to the zoo. Quality father son bonding time. We’re so much closer now.

I’m so thankful because I’ll never get that time back.

I could also help out more with baby Zachary: refilling bottles and changing nappies; grocery shopping, cleaning and general running around. Stuff I wasn’t able to do as much the first time.

Corporate life means often by the time you get home, the kids are ready for bed. You only get to see them properly on the weekends. For those weeks I was off, I got to really connect with my boys and my wife. She was sad when I had to go back to work but we’re at a stage where Zachary is more settled. I’m so thankful because I’ll never get that time back.

When I tell friends and family about ING’s parental leave policy, their jaws drop. They can’t believe it. It’s amazing.

Since returning to work it’s been great. There have been a few changes within the team but nothing major. I’ve been supported throughout the whole process. In fact, while I was on leave I had to come in to reset my laptop so I brought Jacob with me – he loves the ING ads on TV so he was super excited to come and see daddy’s work!

My advice to other new parents – particularly men - is to take as much time as you can in the beginning. Save a little bit if you can. But check with your partner first!

I’ve learned a lot about the role of a parent in those important first few weeks. It’s not easy but it’s so worth it. And it makes you appreciate what your parents did for you!

Having or adopting a child is one of the most important moments in life, which is why we removed the outdated terms of ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ carers, giving all new parents at ING access to 14 weeks paid parental leave. This can be taken all at once or flexibly to best suit each parent’s unique needs.