Hellobee Boards

I can't really vote because a) i haven't had LO one yet and b) I'm planning to be a SAHM, so my mat leave will be like 5 or 6 years

But, as a teacher, do you get paid for the summer if you go back before the end of the school year? I know teachers in the US who go back for a month or two at the end of the school and then get paid for the whole summer off, where if they extended their leave by that month or two, they wouldn't get paid for those months OR the next 3 summer months-- so by working 2 months, they get paid for 5. In that case, it might make more of a difference.

For me, in the US and used to our barely there leave, I think 6 months sounds pretty good. But only you know how much your lifestyle would have to change to accommodate extra time. Also consider the cost of infant daycare vs the extra income you would get. For me, if I was getting 50% of my pay not working, or 100% while working but paying for daycare, I'd end up with more money by staying home. Daycare is very expensive around here though (and I don't make that much money!).

Most women I know have been glad to get back into a routine by the 4th month or so. I think 6 months sounds ideal! It's so hard to predict, though =\. Definitely crunch some numbers and see what makes sense. Even the teachers I know here have small children in daycare, but daycare is much more affordable here (~ $200/week).

I'm a Canadian I'm determined to take the full year, either with me off or DH off. I paid into these benefits for years for a reason!
Can your husband take the rest of your leave if you decide to go back early? I don't know what your contract is but is there an option to work part-time? Does your school board not offer top-up?
I don't know if/what you qualify for but don't forget to factor in baby bonus into your income calculations.

I'm also in Canada and on month four of mat leave......I never thought I'd say this, but I could totally go back now. I've been off since mid-July though, so going on 7 months off work.

I as of now am going back Oct 3rd!

DH is a teacher and if it weren't for "crappy" parental benefits we likely would have split 6 and 6, I get 93% top up.

I think after we have a second I'd want the year, but I'm already looking forward to working for free in Aug and Sept and putting LO in daycare part-time. I seriously love her to bits and do love being home, but being on mat leave made me realize how much I love my job too.

Depending on time of year is also part of "ideal" mat leave timing. If DH did take 6/half of mat leave, he'd be off for two of those months anyways (summer) so that takes away from the value of that. I think if I hadn't chosen to go back in next month or two, I might as well take year to have summer off with DH, lol. I think if our first baby was a late winter/spring baby, 6 months would be perfect, get through early days off, summer with DH, then back to work in the Fall! We hope LO #2 is a Spring baby, but with two LOs I will definitely take the year and save daycare $.

I'm in Canada too and am taking the full year...probably closer to 13 months actually, as I will tack some vacation onto the end.

My understanding is that, legally, you can come back at any time. So even if you commit to taking a year, you can change your mind at any time. This policy also must be disclosed to whoever (if anyone) is hired to cover your leave. Obviously, ideally we would all be able to know exactly what we want ahead of time, but it's hard to say, and sometimes life happens.

In my personal case, I am taking the year. I get 95% of my pay for the first four months and just EI after that. I am a little concerned about taking such a drastic paycut, but I also feel like (1) we are so blessed to have such an amazing mat leave policy that I want to take full advantage, and (2) that time with my baby will be invaluable. That doesn't mean it's for everyone though...of course it's a very personal decision.