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Apply for Maternity Leave
Apply for maternity leave.
No, you're not pregnant, but you are in the process of adopting a child you are expecting, and like any parent who is planning on bringing home a little one in a few months, you'll want some time off from your job to bond with your new child, something that is crucial for your relationship and your child's future development.
But how do you ask for time off?
Or what happens if you do ask for time off and your boss refuses?
Will you have to give up your job, or worse, leave your new child with a new sitter far too soon and miss out on that necessary one-on-one time?
Fortunately, there is hope.
You can apply for maternity leave and get it, but the right strategy is crucial to your success, according to Pat Katepoo, creator of WorkOptions.
, a program designed to help people get the flexible work schedules they need.
Here are some tips:
Start Planning Now
It may be months yet before you are allowed to travel and bring your new child home, but it's never too early to start planning on how you will apply for maternity leave.
Katepoo says that now is the time to develop relationships with your coworkers that will benefit you when it's time to take your maternity leave.
Prove your value to your boss and your fellow workers by helping out as much as you can and showing that you're a team player.
Practice give and take with your coworkers, right now giving more than taking.
Learn the Minimal Amount of Leave
You Have Coming
Find out how much maternity leave you are legally entitled to, and yes, according to the Family Medical Leave Act, adoptive parents are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new child.
But not all companies are required to provide this unpaid leave, so the first thing you should do is learn how much leave you are legally entitled to.
You can learn more about it here.
Ask for More Leave than You Expect to Get
When you apply for maternity leave, and once you have found out the bare minimum you are entitled to, ask for four to six weeks off in addition to the minimum leave you are entitled to.
According to Katepoo, virtually everything is negotiable including the amount of time you want and even getting pay while you're on leave.
The more you ask for initially, the more room there will be for compromise, so go ahead and be bold with your request.
Prepare a Well-Crafted Proposal
About three months before you plan to travel and pick up your child, you will need to apply for maternity leave and present a well-crafted proposal.
In your proposal, you need to emphasize your desire to return to work once your leave is over and also list your accomplishments, the value of your work to the company and how your work will get done in your absence.
Mention how you'll be accessible during your leave, and also when and how you'll return to work.
Need help preparing your proposal? Get help here.
More Tips on Bringing Your Child Home
Finances are the number one reason many couples don't pursue their dream of adopting a child, but it doesn't have to stop you from adopting.
We were able to adopt our three children without going into debt.
You can too. Learn more.
Learn how to get ready to bring your child home by clicking here.
Before you know it, you'll be getting that call saying you can travel to pick up your child.
Learn how you can prepare for it now by clicking here.
If you plan on adopting small children, be sure to include a fun travel kit to keep your little ones occupied.
Learn how to make a travel kit by clicking here.
That adoption trip home with your new children can be a great bonding time if you make it fun.
Here's how.
Are you getting ready to travel to bring your toddler home?
Then you won't want to miss these important tips.
While waiting for the green light to pick up your child, it's easy to become discouraged and depressed, especially if you have a long wait.
Learn ways to deal with the discouragement by clicking here.
Learning the language of your child's native country is a huge plus.
Not only does it help you while you travel, but you will also bond more quickly with your child.
Learn more.
Taking a few simple steps will help make traveling home with your child smoother.
Learn more.
You may be legally qualified to take up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave once your bring your newly adopted child.
Read more.
Learn to negotiate for extra maternity leave.
Learn how.
Return from Apply for Maternity Leave to the Home Page.
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Pay Adoption Costs
Without Going Into Debt!
Adopt Debt free will provide you with the tools and techniques to completely pay for your adoption and bring your child home without having to go into debt!
Ready to learn more? Click here!.
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