Parental Leave, Parental Return

(MoneyWatch) 

Parental leave isn't just for pregnant moms anymore. With new laws allowing greater flexibility, dads and adoptive parents are taking time off to bond with their babies — and companies are learning that it's good for business to encourage them. If you're about to add a new member to your family, check out our helpful primer on what you need to know before you take parental leave. Concerned about re-entering the work world after your leave is over? We gathered real-life stories from five parents about how they negotiated the return to work. To help you navigate the trickier aspects of leave time, we researched the five biggest dangers of parental leave and how to avoid them. We also took a look at four companies known for family-friendly policies and what makes them stand out. And we asked Brandon Desch, human resources director at MarketTools, for tips on parental leave rights.