Sick Child Care and the Working Mom

Posted by Charlene Prince Birkeland

It was Sunday afternoon and I was out and about enjoying some quality “me time” (okay fine, I was getting a pedicure) while my boys – my baby, preschooler and husband – were all enjoying some quality naptime. Or so I thought…until I received “The Call.” Q., my 19 month old, had awoke from the middle of his slumber with a puke explosion. Several puke explosions, to be exact.

My husband said Q. was okay and sleeping, that he'd already spoken to the advice nurse, and not to rush home. I breathed a sigh of relief. And then the working mom thought kicked in: “S@!#, what will I do about work tomorrow?” Our babysitter has children, and I never want to cause a ripple effect by exposing other parents and their kids to our family germs, so to speak.

When my son is running a 102 degree fever and vomiting profusely, it’s a safe bet to call it a day and try to squeeze in work between his naps. I hate seeing my children sick, but truth be told, I welcome those days because it forces me to slow done. I recently found this article about enjoying those days when your kids are sick because it gives you a much-needed opportunity to tune out work and focus on family.

I’m also freelance writer. While I have deadlines, I can always move my schedule around when my boys are under the weather. But what happens when I can’t be so flexible and my sons are too sick for our normal childcare routine?

I used to be a working mom in the corporate world. And I have very vivid memories of having to cancel some incredibly important meetings because I had a wheezy, snotty toddler. Freelancer to executive mom to teacher or retail rep, preparation is key for nearly every aspect of working motherhood.  Sick child days are no exception. Every working mom needs back up plans galore when it comes to caring for a sick child.  My plan includes...

Trading Places - with my Spouse

…My husband and I often trade spots staying at home to care for our patient depending on whose day truly requires an office appearance.  It sometimes becomes a skillful negotiation because there are definitely days when we both have important meetings to attend, but when we have a sick child for one or two days, this usually works.

La Familia

…Both my parents and my in-laws live nearby. Grandma and Grandpa are always willing to help me in a pinch when my children are sick, even if it means catching a bug in return. (That’s some serious love!).

The Little Black Book Sick Child Babysitters

…I have running list of babysitters and nannies of my very good friends who have offered to care for my boys when they’re sick. Think coughy sneezy sick, not fever, passed-out-on-the-couch sick (that’s when the grandparents get in the act). My personal rule is that these nannies can’t have their own kids because otherwise, I’d feel too guilty at the thought of infecting their whole family with my sons’ germs (see above).

The Little Black Book of Back Up Babysitters is also fantastic resource when my babysitter gets sick and needs the day off, but requires the most planning. You need to be comfortable with the caregiver and your friend. There’s nothing worse than having your friend be mad at you for giving her entire family the stomach flu because her nanny watched your kid. A little common sense goes a long way.

And when all else fails, I give in and take my own sick day. I’ve never tried sick child daycare centers, and I'm interested in hearing from other people who have. But my instinct tells me I would be incredible uneasy leaving my kids in the hands of stangers, especially if my boys were mildly sick.

What's your plan when your children get sick and you have to work?

Comments

[Selfmademom]

These are such good ideas and you raise such an interesting issue. I really haven't experienced this yet (knock wood), so I don't know what I would do!! Hopefully I can put it off for a little while longer...

[Susan]

Since my husband takes care of my daughter at home while he works, she hasn't gotten the rash of colds that daycare babies tend to get. But she is starting one day a week at a babysitter's house tomorrow (while Daddy goes to client meetings and the office). If she does get sick and Daddy can't work at home, I'll try one of your excellent tips!

[Candi Wingate]

We have added a link to your site under "What will you do if your child gets the flu" at http://blog.care4hire.com/