“The idea that a father might step away for three months to simply be present for baby and mum – to do the unglamorous, repetitive, irreplaceable work of early bonding – still raises eyebrows in a way it shouldn’t.”
Dalton said gender-neutral paternity leave still doesn’t feel available to many men.
“Not because the policy doesn’t exist. But because the culture around it often doesn’t,” he wrote.
“The unspoken message in most workplaces is still: take a couple of weeks, be grateful, get back to it.”
Having founded “growth company” Bullfrog, Dalton said his background in business gave him an understanding of how important it is to lead by example.
Laura Henshaw (pictured right with Steph Claire Smith) welcomed her first child in December. Photo / Instagram
“Here’s what I believe as a founder and a leader: if your company policy only exists on paper – if the culture makes people feel like taking it is a risk to their career, their reputation, or how they’re perceived – then the policy means nothing.”
He advised new fathers in important roles to take the time off if they can or “build the culture that makes it possible if you can’t yet”.
The Australian couple first made waves when Dalton took Laura’s last name after their 2021 wedding.
On an episode of Laura’s podcast KIC POD, he said the decision had been pragmatic as they wanted their future children to have the same last name as their parents.
He told Laura: “I also know how hard you’ve worked to achieve what you have in your career and your name is so closely attached to being the CEO of Keep It Cleaner and the career you’ve carved out for yourself. It made a lot more sense for me to take your name.”