The Work/Life Balancing Act

Summer time challenges facing divorced parents

A  friend of mine called me all worked up. She wants to take a summer vacation with her kids. But the week that she can take off work is the same week her ex-husband wanted to take vacation with the kids. She  explained to me that summer can be the most challenging time of year for divorced parents. She and her ex-husband must negotiate her children's summer activities, their vacation schedules, their camp schedules, who will pay for camp and whether there's child care coverage for the full summer. 

"It can be expensive and it can get ugly" she told me.  

Roberta Stanley, a partner who practices family law at Brinkley Morgan, says she's been called in when all kinds of summer challenges arise for divorced parents. Some of the typical issues that arise are whether parents can take kids out of the country on vacation, who will pay for summer camp, and what age is appropriate to make a child get a summer job. Stanley points out that an arrangement negotiated as part of a divorce settlement when a child is 5 may need revision when a child turns 15.

For her part, Stanley says she tries to get as specific as possible when she writes up an agreement between divorced parents concerning summer,kids and work schedules. "If you're specific and there's a dispute, you don’t have to pay lawyer again because everyone knows how it works, she said.  "Specifics breed flexibility and cooperation. A parent realizes that if I don’t cooperate when you need a deviation, you won’t cooperate when I need one."

Divorce attorney Barry Finkel says work schedules almost always play a big factor in summer challenges for divorced parents. For example, one parent may want to take an extended vacation; the other may have a job that affords little time off. "If one parent wants to take the child on a trip, try to work out the schedule well enough in advance to schedules can be juggled or changes can be made," he says.

Vicki Larson recently wrote an interesting piece titled: "Is Divorce Easier If You Don't Have Kids?" Her conclusion -- sometimes, but not always. I wonder what my friend battling over summer issues with her ex would think about that conclusion?

Yes, even without kids, divorce can present challenges at work. A recent article in the Sun Sentinel focused on how the stress of a divorce can potentially hurt someone's career. "Those going through divorce may find their employer subpoenaed for information, their business in jeopardy or their chance for a promotion disappearing," the article noted.

On the flip side, Elinor Robin, a family mediator in Boca Raton, told the Sentinel that people often do better in their careers after divorce. "In the long run, divorce may ultimately prove to be a career booster. ... When the focus is off the marriage, the focus can be on the career," she said.

My conclusion: divorce sounds stressful. It appears pretty obvious that summer, kids, work schedules and ex-spouses can be a lot to juggle. Yet, it seems to me it's well worth the effort to make the balancing act as pain free as possible. 

 

Should you vacation without your kids?

Every summer my husband and I take a short vacation without our kids. When we started, I was opposed to the idea but it was forced upon us. My husband's company has an executive retreat each summer in which spouses are welcome, children are not.  This first year, I felt SO guilty leaving my kids for four days to go off to a resort. But I quickly realized the benefit of being with my husband  without my attention divided.

I was listening to NPR's The Takeaway this morning and I heard this question posed to the listeners: Vacation: Should we bring the kids?

Most of us these days are on a tight budget and/or limited in usuable vacation days. If we do take vacations, we want the quality time with our families. But should parents sacrifice a family trip for time to themselves?

These days, as my kids near college age, I'm desperate to get any quality family time I can get. I don't want to give up family vacation. 

Yet, I have discovered through personal experience that leaving behind the daily grind and spending leisure time with my husband and no kids gives us an opportunity to reconnect.We come back a stronger team to tackle the parenting issues that inevitably arise in our daily lives. Each summer when we attend the retreat I feel less guilty leaving my kids behind.

For many parents, dropping the kids off somewhere and spending a week at a five-star hotel can be anywhere from impractical to impossible. But Katrin Schumann, author of “Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too” says that kind of vacation isn't necessary. Oftentimes, parents can reenergize by doing nothing more than taking a walk or spending time pursuing personal interests, she says. If you can swing it, I think an overnight trip alone with your spouse is ideal. It doesn't even have to be expensive...a nearby budget hotel on the ocean or on a lake will do as long as you both leave your smartphones, laptops, worries and guilt behind. 

"I can see why parents would feel guilty being away from their children, "Schumann says, "but what they don't understand is that if you take a long-term perspective on this, very often it's the case where getting away and re-energizing and reconnecting with yourself makes you a better parent in the long run."

What are your thoughts about vacationing without your kids? Have you ever done it and if now, would you consider it? 

Miami's top chef, Michelle Bernstein, balances work and a new baby

(photo by Taimy Alvarez/Staff photographer Sun-Sentinel)

Michelle Bernstein, owner of three of Miami's most-popular restaurants admits she is trepidly navigating motherhood, learning both about work life balance and humility.

Michelle and her husband David Martinez welcomed the arrival of Zachary Gray Martinez last September. Her little bundle of loved suffered from colic and acid reflux.

"Cooking always came naturally to me," Bernstein told Sun-sentinel staff writer John Tanasychuk. "I can always jump in the kitchen and make everything OK. I thought I could just cook for him and he would be appreciative."

Michelle poured over cook books looking for baby food recipes. But little Zachary didn't seem to appreciate anything his celebrity chef mom was cooking up. Her biggest challenge became finding meals Zachary would eat. "My mother would come over and laugh at me. What would people say if they knew your baby doesn't like your cooking?"

Like many new moms, Michelle finally resorted to following her instincts. She told herself: "I'm going to use my Jewish power of my chicken soup and my Latin power of flavor and starchy vegetables." It worked. "The acid reflux stopped in a couple of weeks. No more colicky baby."

Now, just like her ever ever-evolving restaurant menus, she's tells the Sun-Sentinel she's cooking up new foods for her growing baby boy -- frozen popsicles to help ease the pain of teething. And she's introducing him to every vegetable she can find. "My goal is to make him fall in love with everything."

Click here to read Michelle's recipes for baby food.

Click here to read her baby-feeding tips.

 

 

Father son businesses: Two different views of work life balance

Do you have the same work ethic as your parents? What would they say if you asked them that question?

As the founder of A.D.A. Engineering in Miami, Alberto Argudin has always put in long hours. Tweleve years ago, his son joined the firm and now oversees construction management. Alberto doesn't how and why his son delegates, supervises, and works a reasonable work day.

Son says: "The older generation had to struggle more than we had to. That doesn’t mean we don’t struggle as well. Our work ethic is there, but due to technology we can do the same amount more efficiently and quicker than in the past." 

Fathers and sons seem like the ultimate pairing for business success -- unless they butt heads and create workplace tension. Today, it's more challenging than ever for father and sons with the generational differences that exist. So, for Father's Day, I decided to look at few father son business teams who make it work.

 

Posted on Tue, Jun. 12, 2012 Two generations learn to work together By Cindy Krischer Goodman balancegal@gmail.com Peter Andrew Bosch / Miami Herald Staff   Patrick Range, right, and his son, Patrick Range Jr, at their family Range Funeral Home, located at 5727 NW 17th Ave. When David Grossman decided the family surgical practice needed a website, his father resisted. “He just thinks differently and couldn’t see the benefits.” But David pressed on. He showed his dad how the website could help patients access forms, learn about possible complications and share experiences. “Now, he sees that it’s an important component of our medical practice.” Such generational differences are happening in workplaces across the country, but in father-son businesses, the stakes are high. Despite a turbulent few years, family businesses remain a substantial force in the national and global economies. But keeping the business in the family takes the ability to work through assumptions, expectations and differences. The fact is, only one-third of family-owned businesses survive to the second generation. For fathers and sons, the dynamics are complex. “The level of emotion that exists in a father and son business can be profound,” says Drew Mendoza, managing principal of The Family Business Consulting Group in Chicago. Today’s Gen X sons think differently than their boomer dads. They bring technology skills and innovation to most workplaces, along with a desire for work-life balance. While dads still bring experience and passion, many struggle to understand a mindset where productivity doesn’t necessarily mean facetime. Even more, the relationship between fathers and sons who work together today tends to differ from the past: many consider themselves partners rather than mentor-mentee. As the country gets ready to celebrate Father’s Day, many fathers and sons still dream of working side by side. Those who do it successfully offer insight and inspiration. Patrick Range Jr. has been working alongside his father for the past five years. He gave up a prestigious position as a lawyer at Greenberg Traurig after his grandmother passed away in 2006 — “too much for my dad to run the business alone. I felt a responsibility to take an active role.” The company, started by his grandfather, runs three funeral homes serving the black communities of Miami-Dade County. Patrick Jr., 35, says he has a different perspective than his 72-year-old dad: “I understand the younger generation and what their needs are.” Just last week, he helped a young woman plan a memorial service for her father. “She was not interested in having a traditional service with the deceased present.” Initially, Patrick says his dad pushed back when he brought a different perspective to the decades old funeral business. “It’s taken some adjustment on both of our parts but we’ve learned when to back off and when to push. I think it’s benefitted the business.” Patrick says a huge challenge has been the struggle for work-life balance. This is an area where he has pushed hard to change his father’s mindset: “I’ve encourage him to realize you do not have to be at your desk to function in an efficient manner. I’ve even forced him to take off one day a week.” Read more.

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Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/12/v-print/2846370/two-generations-learn-to-work.html#storylink=cpy

 

Summer is here and working parents are panicked

I survived another school year!! Wahoo!

The last few weeks of the school year seemed like an endurance test. Between awards ceremonies, graduation parties and buying teacher gifts, it took all my balancing skills to juggle my workload and home responsibilities.

Now, I'm beat and the next work life balance challenge awaits.

Inevitably this time of year, the conversation among working parents is "What are your kids doing this summer?"

For moms like me, who only have it partially figured out, the question can incite a mild panic attack.

Summer typically is the most challenging and expensive time of year for parents who need child care
coverage to match their work hours. One smart Miami mom whose tapped into parental panic is Karen Meister. She runs Camp Experts & Teen Summers. I've used Karen to help me cut through the summer camp clutter and figure out which one best suits my kid. Karen doesn't charge parents. She gets paid by the camps.

If you're in panic mode, there are other places to turn to as well.

*Your city's parks and recreation department is a place to start for free camps.

* MomsMiami has a great summer survival guide and most big cities have similar mom sites that offer guides as well. There are national camp search guides at go camp and

* Check out museums. Not only do they have great summer camp programs, they offer volunteer opportunities for teens.

* Consider online courses. High school students in Florida must take an online course to graduate. I'm having my son take a course on Florida Virtual School over the summer. There are courses for kids in K-12.

* Bringing your child to work may be an option if they are old enough to be helpful. Don't be afraid to ask. All your boss can do is say no.

* If your company has a flex policy, now may be the time to use it. According to Office Team, Seventy-five percent of human resources managers said their company offers flexible schedules during the summer.

* If you have a teen, some employers are hiring. A new jobs report says summer jobs for teens has soared to its highest level in six years. Encourage your child to get out there and job hunt.

Good luck working parents!

 

 

 

Letting Go of Super Mom

My guest blogger today is Daisy Sutherland. I met Daisy at the recent SheStreams conference and was impressed with her energy and smarts. She certainly knows what it's like to be Super Mom. She is a doctor, author, speaker, wife and mom to five children. She also is the founder/CEO of Dr. Mommy Online and Dr. Mommy andFriends. Daisy says her mission is to motivate busy women to live happier, and healthier lifestyles by simply letting go of guilt. Watch for her new book - 'Letting Go of Super Mom' coming out on August 7. For more tips visit: http://www.drmommyonline.com

Here's a brief glimpse into Daisy's take on Letting Go of Supermom:

The art of saying no is extremely essential to learning how to find balance in your life. Although it may seem easier said than done, it is truly possible. With a bit a practice and some self assurance and actually the ability to truly let go you will find saying the simple word no will be just that—simple.

All moms are seeking some sort of balance, but some are looking in all the wrong places.

What I would like to propose is that we swap the ratio: the proportion of our yeses to our nos could be easily switched to reflect the time you are comfortably able to spend doing the things that benefit yourself and your family, versus the time you spend on others.

This is not selfishness; this is wisdom. "No" is your new "yes".

Instead of saying an outright no, try this: "I can't say yes to your request." It gets people off guard because they might be expecting an excuse. But instead just say that one line.

Or, you may want to say, "I don't have time right now, but let me recommend someone else."

Saying no more often leaves you more time for yourself. Consider using that time to treat yourself by meeting a friend for coffee, joining a book or craft club or doing something you've always dreamed of like skydiving or taking dance classes.

The whole purpose of Letting Go of SuperMom is to help women realize they don't have to be everything to everyone. When you let go and let others pitch in, you take stress off your shoulders. That's when you live a happier and more fulfilled life.

 

Parents of graduates, What would you do differently?

Over the weekend, I watched as gorgeously dressed high school seniors stood outside posing for photos in their prom attire. It's strange but I can still remember that excitement mixed with fear that I felt as the last few weeks of high school came to an end.

Now, I'm starting to get that same feeling. I know my time is coming soon to send my oldest off to college and as a parent, I’m excited for what lies ahead for them but I'm not ready to let go.

I have a freshman and a sophomore in high school, and this year I began changing as a parent. I saw my teens becoming more independent and I began to give them some room to mature. Now, I'm watching my friends’ children and my nephew making college plans and securing their dorm assignments and I’m realizing that my time to influence my teens on a daily basis will be short-lived.

I’ve been asking my peers with kids off at college what they would have done differently as parents, what lessons they may inadvertently had neglected to teach their kids. Do their kids know how to do laundry, address an envelope, make a homemade meal? Do they know how to change a flat tire, french braid hair, write a check or keep tabs on the balance of a checking account?

Suddenly, I feel pressure. I know it’s the big lessons that count the most — how to be a good friend, how to be an ethical student or employee, how to communicate with someone rather than shut them out. But the small things count too.

So for those of you who have experienced sending a high school graduate off to college or into the real world, what would you have done differently before they left? Most of us are so busy balancing work and family that we overlook the opportunity for teaching moments. What lessons about work and life should I cram into the next two years before my oldest daughter graduates?

A Motherly Lesson

This weekend, a little girl came up to my car window at a red light. She looked about 7 years old. She was holding a Mickey Mouse bucket and asked me for money. I didn't see an adult anywhere nearby.  It broke my heart. All mothers - whether we work or not - want the best for our kids and for the rest of the world's children. My kids were as upset as I was about this little girl alone in the street. I realized I must be doing something right as a parent.

How do you get your children to want to help others?

Today, my guest blogger is Lourdes Castillo de la Peña, a mother of four who has been focused on making a difference in the lives of women and children. Lourdes was appointed to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, founded the Miami Children’s Hospital XOXO (Hugs and Kisses) group and serves on the Board of Friends of the Orphans.In 2010 she was honored by the Junior League of Miami at their annual “Women Who Make a Difference” luncheon.

Here is her take on how mothers can make a difference: 

Children will follow your footsteps easier than they will your advice. Our children are watching our actions, and learning from them, especially when giving. Whether it is of your time, heart or money, there is never such a thing as “being too young to give of yourself.”

 

As parents, it is our job to teach the concept of giving to our children. This might be a tough topic to tackle, but important considering it may inspire a whole new generation of people working to support worthy causes.

In 1996, I was introduced to a church in Little Havana which had a small makeshift clinic to provide care for immigrants. I come from immigrant parents so I could identify with the need. I saw mothers with their kids and families lined up outside and realized the need to create a bigger, better clinic. Once I helped create a more substantial clinic, I feel in love with the community and saw a need to do more. I decided to help create the San Juan Bosco Christmas Food Distribution in 1998, a yearly food distribution in which my family volunteers its time in order to provide needy families a holiday meal.

The food distribution in particular brings back a lot of lovely memories. My children were born into this tradition. Sofia Victoria, my oldest daughter was only three months old when she began to participate in the food distribution. Today, at 12, Sofia Victoria looks towards the event every year, as it has a big impact on her and the rest of her family. My kids take the food distribution just as important as opening presents on Christmas Day. They have even gone as far as to recruit their classmates and their families to join us so that they can get everyone involved.

I suggest that the best way to teach children to contribute to their community in a positive way is to lead by example. Children are the future leaders of the world...they’ll keep the torch going after we’re gone. When you bring your kids along and involve them in your charitable outings, it makes a lasting impression on them.

Two years ago, I took my two eldest daughters (Sofia 10, Lulu 8) to Guatemala to visit one of the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NHP) homes. NHP strives to provide a permanent family and home for orphaned, abandoned and other at-risk children who live in conditions of extreme poverty. I wondered, before going on this trip, whether it was right to bring my children along…whether they would understand. But halfway through the visit, my daughter turned to me and said ‘You know, Mommy, you are making these children very happy,’ and when you hear that, you realize that it’s worth every penny and minute you put into the cause.”

I also have taken my children to La Romana, Santo Domingo, where they adopted a community, and provided the neighborhood children with all the necessary materials for the upcoming school year including clothing, books and school supplies.

As a mother my duty to my kids is not only to expose them to all of the privileges one has in this great county, but also to allow them to see the world through different perspectives, in order for to learn to give back in adulthood.

My mom passed away this year. I had wondered if it was the right thing to have her at my house when she was so sick. My whole family was committed to taking care of my mother. There's not a book or schooling that will help a person understand what it's like taking care of someone when they are no longer fun, when that someone needs your attention.

Now, I know I would do it again. I gave my kids the opportunity to experience something special. I think they learned to enjoy special moments with people becausethey now know that at any moment, someone's body may give out and they might need to step in and help them.

My Mother's Day message is speak with actions. If you're good person, doing good things, your kids will follow your lead.  

 

What new mothers need at work might surprise you

For most new mothers, giving birth is the easy part. It's the worrying, the juggling, the financial stress and trying to please everyone that makes a working mother's life challenging.

In honor of Mother's Day, I spoke to new mothers and asked them what makes a difference for them at work -- what keeps them in the job they hold after returning from maternity leave. I wanted to know if what they need is what employers think they need.

Janet Fernandez knows she's fortunate. She's in business for herself and makes her own hours. Most new mothers want control over their schedules. Time off means lack of income, but Janet went back after two weeks working a reduced schedule out of her home. She plans to start working from her office soon, for a few hours a day while her mother watches the baby. Janet, a travel agent, says she's narrowed her niche, and will now specialize by running cruiseweddingsinc.com. She feels that will allow her to work smarter, still earn income and still spend time with her baby.

Five years after giving birth, Katrina Ductant, a safety manager for South Florida for Turner Construction Co., still remembers how difficult it was to come back to work after giving birth, particularly in a male dominated industry - construction. One of the first things she did was have a conversation with her supervisor. She let him know she preferred not to work the late night shifts. He agreed. "In return, I worked harder while at work. I would go the extra mile so that when I did leave, I didn’t leave feeling like could have done more or didn’t have productive
day."

I also spoke to Rose Alouidor, mother of three month old Melody. Rose is a teacher at Sunny Isles Beach K-8. She told me she went back to work after 7 weeks because she couldn't afford to take more time off. Fortunately, she works in a family-friendly school where her prinicipal and co-workers understand if she needs to come in late to take her baby to the pediatrician. "The key thing that makes a difference, is an understanding employer, before and after you have the baby."

What I came to learn from new mothers is that both a supportive boss and supportive co-workers are key in whether a mother stays in her job during that critical first year. There are lots of moms who go back to work and get treated so poorly, they leave. They don't necessarily drop out of the workforce, they find a job that better suits them.

Today's mothers are older on average, more experienced and skilled. It's in an employer's financial interest to do what it takes to keep them. I hope today's column gives them some much-needed insight. Moms, if you aren't getting support at work, look at your options. There are some businesses where moms are treated well.

Posted on Tue, May. 08, 2012 Moms back on job; will they stay? By Cindy Krischer Goodman balancegal@gmail.com   Adrienne Zalkind holds her 8 month old daughter, Chloe during a brief moment of rest at a fountian near their home. For working women with young children, work and chlidcare becomes a complicated balancing act. In late April, Alexandra Bach Lagos had one of those rough weeks most lawyers dread. She spent three days out of town conducting depositions, returned and put in two more 12-hour days. While the schedule would be taxing for anyone, it was particularly difficult for a new mother. “What keeps me going is having a supportive work environment,” says Lagos, explaining that her partners gave her the option of having someone else conduct the out-of-town depositions. “I said, no, I’m fine. I want that opportunity and I’m going to take it. But it’s the fact that they care, and want to make it work that makes a difference,” says Lagos, an associate at Shook Hardy & Bacon in Miami. As families get ready to celebrate Mother’s Day, workplaces are struggling with how to keep new mothers engaged and employed. A new study of mothers by TheLadders.com shows those who return to full-time work after giving birth said they do so for first for financial reasons and secondly because they enjoy the work. Yet, even in this troubled economy, new mothers bolt when the juggling act becomes too overwhelming. New mothers, often experienced workers with valued skills, say there are particular workplace factors that keep them in their jobs the trying first year, when exhaustion, emotions and changed routines take a toll. Few of those factors cost a company money, yet many employers — both large and small — haven’t figured them out. “Good companies are having honest conversations with their new moms,” says Jennifer Owens, editorial director of Working Mother. “They are talking to them in a non-judgmental way about how they can be supportive.” Studies show at most companies, the immediate return rate for mothers is significantly higher than the long-term retention rate. Mothers will tell you their direct supervisor plays a key role in whether they stick around. Adrienne Zalkind, a public relations executive and mother of two, discovered the importance of talking with her boss when she returned from maternity leave with her now 8-month-old daughter, Chloe. She sat down with her supervisor and discussed more flexible work hours, allowing her to pick up her baby on time from daycare. “If they work with you, it can make all the difference.” Co-workers play a role in retention, too, a factor employers may underestimate. Only two weeks back on the job, Fox News reporter Molly Henneberg attributes her smoother adjustment to “a community of working mothers” at the network who give her advice and encouragement and act as role models. “The first week can be a difficult emotional transition,” Henneberg says. “They told me each day would get better and then I would get into a routine. So far it’s worked.” On her second week back, Henneberg experienced her first work/family challenge. An unexpected late night threw a wrench into her child-care arrangement. “It used to be no big deal, but now it was like a military troop movement to make sure the baby was cared for.” Henneberg said her co-workers helped her figure it out, even offering to hold the baby during her live shots. Fortunately, her husband was able to leave work earlier than usual. Yet, for every story of a supportive workplace, there are mothers who have opposite experiences. Zalkind says the glare of co-workers who see a flexible work arrangement as perks rather than a different way of putting in the same hours can create the tension that causes a new mother to leave or search for a new job. “You have to walk out with your head held high, knowing you are working as hard as anyone else. But for some people, day after day, that can be hard to do,” Zalkind says. Some companies have become intentional in their effort to retain new mothers, offering coaching before, during and after maternity leave. Five years ago, Citi, a financial services company, discovered a high percentage of its women who go on maternity leave have 10 years of experience or more — “talent we can’t afford to lose,” according to Carolanne Minashi, regional head of diversity for Citi’s Markets & Banking Division. The discovery led to a voluntary program called Maternity Matters. The program, started in the United Kingdom and now offered in the United States, offers group coaching for new moms and their managers and maternity buddies for the women giving birth or adopting. In the United Kingdom, Citi says its short- and long-term retention of mothers has risen. And, while Citi hasn’t released U.S. retention numbers, spokesman Anu Ahluwalia said more than 1,000 of its employees here have participated. Read more....

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Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/08/v-print/2789993/moms-back-on-they-stay.html#storylink=cpy

 

 

 Fox News reporter Molly Henneberg says support from co-workers and her boss make motherhood and work much easier.

 

 

 

 

 

 Janet Fernandez is a business owner who makes her own work schedule. She started working from home two weeks after baby Sofia was born.

Florida Earns a Grade of “D” in New Mother’s Day Report

There are some mothers who must return to work almost immediately after giving birth, women who just can't afford to take any unpaid time off -- and my home state of Florida is failing them. But it's not just Florida -- the sad truth is that millions of working mothers in this country find themselves without the support they need to care for their families and hold onto their jobs

Just in time for Mother's Day, The National Partnership for Women & Families has released the most comprehensive analysis to date of state laws and regulations governing paid leave and workplace rights for new parents in the United States.

Florida earned a big fat "D,” which is made worse by the fact that almost half our workforce is women. At least we're not one of the 18 states that earned an "F" for failing to provide a single benefit or program to help support families before and after the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child.

If you're a new parent, you should want to live in California. That's a state that treats its working parents with some respect.

In 2002, California became the first state to enact a paid family leave insurance program to help new parents and other family caregivers make ends meet when a new baby arrives or a family member becomes ill. The law took effect in July 2004. New parents in California can receive 55 percent of their income, up to a weekly capped amount, for up to six weeks. Private sector workers who qualify for the state’s disability insurance system are entitled to up to six weeks of paid family leave that can be used by either parent.

As a working mother, I want my home state to do better for its working parents.  When 72 percent of Florida children live in families in which all parents work we need access to paid leave to paid sick days and workplace rights for nursing mothers.

Recently, I spoke to a teacher who went back to work after 5 1/2 weeks. She just couldn't afford to take any unpaid time off. She felt like she barely bonded with her new son. How sad is it that when these women gave birth, there's only a small chance they have any paid maternity leave!  “The birth of a child should be a joyous event for new mothers and fathers, not the cause of financial hardship or devastation,” said National Partnership President Debra L. Ness.

There's some good news: Since the first edition of National Partnership's Expecting Better report, seven years ago, new parents have gained rights that address the work and family challenges.

 For example:

•   In 2011, Connecticut became the first state to pass a paid sick days law, joining the District of Columbia, in providing many workers the right to earn paid sick time that can be used to care for an ill child or family member or to seek medical care. Two cities — San Francisco and Seattle — also provide this right.
•  In 2008, New Jersey joined California in establishing a paid family leave insurance program that provides new parents (and other family caregivers) with partial wage replacement during up to six weeks of family leave.
•  In 2007, the state of Washington took a significant step toward establishing a paid parental leave program.
• In 2007, Maine expanded workers’ ability to take unpaid, job-protected family leave by recognizing that domestic or civil union partners often need to care for each other and each other’s children.
•  And, from 2006 through 2009, nine states granted new rights to nursing mothers in the workplace. 

“Some states are doing better for new parents than others,” explained Ness, “but most have a
long way to go..." Ness says Expecting Better paints a picture of a nation that is failing families — and it should be a wake-up call for lawmakers at every level

So, working parents, would paid leave have made a difference for your family? Would you be willing to tell your lawmakers how you feel about paid leave?