Navigating Time Off from Work to Bond with a Newly Adopted Child

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Question: My husband and I are in the process of adopting a waiting child internationally. This is our first adoption and we will soon be waiting to be matched with a child. I teach in higher education and my schedule is coordinated about nine months out. I am working with my supervisors to try and make sure my schedule for the next year is flexible to account for uncertain adoption timing. It has been so difficult to try and navigate this with my job, especially because my institution has very limited options for paid parental leave. 

I'm wondering if you have any insight into how to discuss a few of my questions with my employer:

1. How to manage unpredictable adoption timelines that may require mid-semester leave on minimal notice,
2. Explaining the necessity of time off work to bond with our new child, without the physical recovery needs that traditional birth includes, and 
3. That while teaching online is an option, balancing teaching online with international travel and a critical bonding period is very daunting. 

If you have any insight into how to discuss these topics with my employer, or any additional details I should be considering, I would love to hear your thoughts. I should say that my supervisors are very supportive and excited for my family, and they are open to creative solutions. These are just uncharted waters at my institution. I love listening to your podcast every week and my husband and I have learned so much from you all while we've been on our adoption journey!

Resources:

• How Can I Get Paid Leave for My Adoption?
• The Movement Project: Relationship & Parental Recognition: State Family Leave Laws 
• Center for Parental Leave Leadership

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