When his second son, Aaron, was born one week ago, engineer Jeff Chua used up four of his 14 days of annual leave to look after his family - even though he and his wife had employed a confinement lady for a month.

The 35-year-old says: 'I was worried whether my wife could cope on her own. I also helped the confinement lady buy anything she needed.'

With his first son, Ethan, two, he had used up 10 days of annual leave.

'This time around, I didn't want to take too many days off so that the remainder can be used when my children fall ill,' he explains.

His wife, Madam Wendy Foo, 35, is thankful that he is around to help out in the early days after a child is born. She says: 'People we know joke that he takes leave and does nothing at home, but he's really a huge help to me.'

Mr Chua has no choice but to use his annual leave because his company gives fathers only two days of paternity leave.

'Of course, I wish I had more paternity leave but what is one to do? All fathers just have to deal with it,' he says.

Madam Foo's job as a sports executive requires her to work late hours, up to 11pm occasionally, which 'forced' him to be more involved with the raising of their children.

But, while admitting that it can be frustrating to look after a sick child, he enjoys being hands-on with Ethan. He takes the 22-month-old to a babysitter at 7am before going to work. After work, he brings him home and bathes and feeds him.

On weekends, he spends more time with the family, going with them to the playground or supermarket. Saturday evenings are a time to be with their extended families.

Fully committed to his role, he says: 'Some people ask me why I don't employ a maid. But seeing your son sit or stand up for the first time brings such happiness. It's worth it. It's okay if I'm tired.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times.