In Toronto, both new parents have the right to take parental leave of up to 35 or 37 weeks of unpaid time off work; for more information on the government benefits you may be entitled to during this time, and how to maximize these benefits for up to 1 year, visit the Pregnancy & Parental Leave section of the Government of Ontario website: It’s important to apply for benefits within certain timelines to ensure you can make the most of your time at home with baby.
In the office by Rachel Strohm
Unless you’re independently wealthy, or able to survive on one income, the day will probably come when you have to go back to work. Some mothers do so on a part time basis to ease their way into things, or start a home-based business so they can spend more time with their babies. Often it can be a shock for both parent and growing baby to go back to full time work after being at home for so long; one Vancouverite reports “I can’t believe I have to go back to work just when I’m starting to like him”.
Of course you will settle into a parenting routine even though you’re back in the saddle again. You can find a list of resources for childcare options in our daycares in Toronto article, so you can rest easy knowing your child is well taken care of while you earn a living.
