Working parents know how challenging it can be to take care of your kids needs, whether it's a doctor's appointment or a parent-teacher conference.

Now a bill signed into law on Monday by Governor Ritter makes it easier.

The measure allows parents and legal guardians to attend their child's academic activities without fear of jeopardizing their job.

Under the new law, employees are allowed to take up to six hours of unpaid time off a month and 18 hours in a school year.

State Representative Michael Merrifield sponsored the bill.

"Research has shown kids do better when their parents are given the opportunity to be involved in their education,' said State Representative Michael Merrifield, 'We heard testimony that parents in many cases were not given the opportunity to attend the important meetings at their kids school.'"

The new law will go into effect of August 5.

Twelve other states in the United States already have similar laws.