As a courtesy, you may want to notify your employer in writing of your intent to take parental leave just before you go on maternity leave. You can also do this after the birth of the child if you haven’t yet decided on the length of your leave. Either way, your employer must give you your job back, the very same position you held before, once your leave comes to an end. A few parental-leave caveats: Once you’ve selected the duration of your leave, you cannot change it. Also keep in mind that while you are receiving support, children under 3 cannot be sent to school for longer than five days a month; children above 3 no more than four hours a day daily or five whole days a month.