ALT-7 Maternitypaternity Leave Planning Ahead
Birthday Countdown Maternity/Paternity Leave PlanAs prospective parents prepare for a new addition to the family, there are many things to consider. John F. Kennedy said "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future." One of life's greatest joys can be nurturing and encouraging children.If it is financially possible, an extended maternity and/or paternity leave can provide precious time to bond with the newborn baby. This bonding is essential for the development of security and self esteem. Time for touch, eye contact and talking is a greater gift to the child than buying more "stuff" to clutter the house. Following are points to consider when planning a maternity/paternity leave.Regarding employee and supervisor issues, the employee may want to:- Give plenty of notice that a leave of absence is requested.- Maintain communication with the supervisor, and discuss how job responsibilities will be handled in the employee's absence.- Use a calendar to document job responsibilities. It is especially important to note reports or tasks that are completed monthly, quarterly or infrequently.- Make detailed lists of duties that will need to be covered in the employee's absence, and complete work ahead of time, if possible.- Train the employee's replacement and write things down in an easy to understand, step-by-step manner,especially if a temporary employee will be filling in.- Check in often to be sure things are running smoothly.Regarding employee and Human Resource Office Issues, the employee may want to:- Talk with human resources to determine the company policy regarding maternity/paternityleave. Is any pay included?- Research information about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This act is intendedand expected to benefit employers as well as their employees.- Make a written application for the leave of absence using the forms required by the company.- Check on company benefits to be sure they are clearly understood. Vacation and sick leave may not continue to accrue during the leave, and the employee may be required to use any accrued, unused vacation.- Check on group benefits such as insurance. Be sure the company policy is understood.- Determine when premiums are due if they are required to be paid by the employee.Regarding family financial issues, the employee may want to:- Analyze the family budget and financial situation. Is a leave financially possible?- Alleviate stress caused by financial issues by paying off as much debt as possible before the baby arrives.- Develop a financial plan that includes discontinuing the use of credit cards, if these are a problem for the family.- Put in extra hours at work or get a temporary part-time job to help get finances under control, if necessary.- Raise children who have learned from you the wisdom of living within your means, ratherthan living out of control.In Women & Money, Suze Orman says "What you really have to understand and believe is that every one of you already has more than what it takes to own the power to control your financial destiny."1Regarding baby specific financial issues, the employee may want to:- Maintain control of the budget. It is easy to overspend when planning for a new baby.- Emotional spending can get individuals in financial trouble quickly.- See if insurance will cover medical expenses or if additional funds will be needed.- Shop garage sales or consignment sales if this will help the budget. Many quality items may be available.- Hold a garage sale to clean out some of the clutter. This will help provide funds as well as an organized space for the new arrival.- Begin saving for baby's education.Maternity/paternity leave gives parents the opportunity to spend quality time with a newborn baby. The time devoted to bonding could prove to be more valuable than any amount of money.1Suze Orman, Women & Money, (New York: Spiegel & Grau, 2007), pp. 15-16
