Finland's Family Leave Policies Offer Generous Support for Parents

Finland has comprehensive family leave policies to support parents. According to the data from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, expectant mothers can enjoy a maximum of 40 working days of allowance. It usually starts 30 working days before the expected due date of the child, but no later than 14 working days before the due date.

Each parent is entitled to 160 working days of maternity leave, which must be taken before the child turns 2. Working parents can use the parental leave in a maximum of four periods, with each period lasting at least 12 days. One parent can transfer up to 63 days of parental leave to the other parent. As stated on InfoFinland, a website maintained by the City of Helsinki, single parents can use the full 320 working days of parental leave.

These family leave policies in Finland not only demonstrate the country's care for families but also contribute to promoting gender equality and the well - being of children. The ability for parents to take time off work to care for their children helps to strengthen the parent - child bond and provides a stable family environment for the healthy growth of children.