Stay at Home Parent Resignation Letter Example

Every job resignation requires formal notice, even if you’re leaving for a positive reason, such as becoming a stay-at-home parent, or resigning because you’re pregnant. It's a good idea to let your manager know that you're resigning and to provide a letter for your employee file with the details.

If you are leaving your job to stay home with your kids, you can use the template below to craft your letter. Please note the letter is just an example, and you’ll want to tailor the specifics to fit your individual circumstances.

What to Write in Your Letter

It’s important to stick to the format of the letter, along with the tone: your communications should be first and foremost professional, polite, positive and grateful.

Also keep in mind that although you should offer a brief explanation as to why you have made your decision, the bulk of your letter should not be dedicated to this reasoning. You don’t owe your employer an extremely long-winded description of your specific situation. This can actually work against you.

It’s best to keep it simple and keep the focus on your good experience in the position, your gratitude for the opportunity, and your interest in maintaining an ongoing professional relationship with your employer after your departure.

That way, should you need a reference or networking assistance if or when you choose to return to work, you will be able to reach out to this former employer. Here is a template you can use for your resignation letter.

Additional Tips for Resigning to Become a Stay-at-Home Parent

Wait until you’re sure. Of course, you’ll give your employer at least the standard two weeks’ notice before your last day on the job. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking more notice is always better.

You have a responsibility to yourself and to your family, as well as to your employer when you quit a job for any reason. You should be financially and emotionally prepared to leave the second you put in your notice, even if you plan to stay for a few weeks. Why? Because some employers will ask resigning workers to pack up their desks immediately upon giving notice. You don’t want to find yourself caught unawares … or short a few weeks of pay that you were counting on to meet your new expenses.

It’s also a good idea to wait until after your baby is born to make your decision. Every baby and every parent is different. You may think that you know what you want to do in terms of work and childcare, but until your bundle is on the outside, you won’t know for sure.

Make all your preparations before resigning. Get all your things in order before you speak to your boss and offer your resignation letter. Clean up your desk, remove your personal files from your computer, and line up references. Be ready to go, just in case you need to leave in a hurry.

Consider all your options before making your decision. Staying at home might be the best possible decision for you and your family – but it’s not the only option. Consider whether part-time work or a flexible schedule would meet your needs just as well as becoming a full-time stay-at-home parent.

You might be surprised at your employer’s willingness to work with you to arrive at a better arrangement, especially if you’re a long-time employee with a proven track record.