Facebook Inc Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg, aged 31, announced he would take two months of paternity leave after his daughter’s birth. Zuckerberg’s decision sends out a strong message to other fathers who oftentimes do not take advantage of the time off for fear of falling behind on work or being looked over at their next promotion. And yet, one of the busiest and most powerful executives has now sent out the example that paternity leave should be taken.

Facebook allows its U.S. employees to take up to four months of paid maternity or paternity leave either at once or throughout the first year of their child’s life. Now, he, too is taking advantage of the policy.

“This is a very personal decision,” Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook page, along with a picture of a stroller, a yellow baby carrier and his dog, Beast. “Studies show that when working parents take time to be with their newborns, outcomes are better for the children and families.”

Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg who looks over Facebook’s advertising will likely assume leadership though Zuckerberg’s replacement has not been announced.

Zuckerberg’s post generated more than 50,000 ‘likes’ in one hour and nearly 3,000 comments. Many of the comments lauded his decision and said it sent a positive message about U.S. parental leave policies.