Monday, July 7, 2008

1 year maternal leave

I've been reading all the comments (thanks!) and the idea of longer leave keeps coming up. For those that want it, sure, but I swear, I'm not the only one who is going absolutely batty at the end of 12 weeks.

And I wanted to mention that working does not mean you are missing out on all your child's growth. I'm gone a maximum of 8 hours a day, leaving 16 other hours. It makes me cringe when people talk about missing out on the first year. I'm not. It's the other 16 hours that makes up for it.

Plus, my daycare is freaking wonderful. Both my children learned how to write their name by 2 1/2 years old. Including knowing the entire alphabet and some writing and spelling by 3. I'm sure many stay at home moms involve 2 hours of an early child development program curriculum into their day, but I wonder how many do not.

8 comments:

Nadine said...

Hey, We get a year in Canada, so I will sooo take it, a year paid leave!
But after that I'm a day care supporter

Sara said...

I am glad you posted this. It is nice to hear from women who either are unable to stay home or those that choose to be working moms. I will absolutely have to work while raising our next child, and I get tired of feeling guilty for it!
Just my two cents worth!
Sara

Rachel Inbar said...

I don't... and by 18 months I'm quite happy for someone who's more qualified than I am to take care of them part-time - even though I work from home.

Morgan Owens said...

Work or no work, I'd never judge your parenting...all anyone has to do is look at your family photos and can tell you are such a wonderful mother. And working as much as you do? Please, all it shows is how strong you are..why on earth would anyone suggest by working you miss out on your kids life? It's 2008 people..there just aren't as many stay-at-home moms anymore!

Lara said...

I am like you. I feel I am a better mother because I work outside the home. I would go coo-koo if I was home all the time. After this past three day weekend I was GLAD to come back to work. Don't get me wrong I love my son and I love the time I have with him. I think that because we don't see each other all day long then the time we do have, evenings and weekends, are so much more precious and special. I would like to see a mandatory paid 6 week leave with an optional 6 week unpaid extention offered. I think it's vital to a woman's mental and physical well being to fully recover from childbirth and dealing with a new baby. I was put on total bed rest at 32 weeks and delivered at 38 weeks...there went my 6 weeks sick leave I had saved up and I'd just delivered the baby. I had bad PPD and the thought of no paycheck nearly sent me over the edge. Fortunately I had an understanding employer that allowed me to work from home and flex my hours and paid me my full check regardless of whether I had accrued time off so that I didn't have to go without a paycheck. But I know some people aren't so lucky. However, I don't think the government should be the one to pay for this benefit. I know some people that would be popping out babies all the time. I would rather like to see it as a common benefit that is offered by the employer like health insurance. I know some, very few though, companies do. I am a firm believer that if you treat your employees fairly and with respect you will have more loyal employees.

Catie said...

As much as I wanted to stay home because I love being with Lex I'm sure if I was here 24-7 I would have gone nuts by now, I don't feel like I'm missing his first year. I do get a little bummed when he does something we've been working on for my parents before I get to see it, but that is a treat for my parents. Now if I would have had 12 weeks maybe I'd feel differently but who knows...

Miss Tori said...

I don't remember what my mom taught me as a tot, but I do remember Sesame Street! I think that is how I learned my numbers and alphabet prior to going to kindergarten. I didn't do preschool. No daycare for me either. Back then, my dad made a good income and mom stayed at home and raised us kids. But, she also babysat other kids, which I guess did supplement my dad's income and give her some of her own spending money.

I'm with you, Nancy. I'll take my 12 weeks, but after that, I want to be at work. But then again, I'm the major bread winner in our family so if we want to be able to stay in our home, I have to work. I'm all right with that, though.

DH's grandma (very old school) says that I can't work, I need to stay home to raise my children. I can't get mad at her or even really correct her, as she is too sweet. I will be working.

Rita said...

it would be nice to have the choice. it ticks me off when i look back - I had 4 months off. Now they get 12 months if they want it (here). I wish I had the option to go back later and still keep my job.
Rita