to think about how I can still get my job done when ds2 is not well

[margesimpsonmoment]

DS2 age 11 month has a chest infection and is on antibiotics. I am not crazy about sending him to nursery like this and so must take time off work to look after him. I mentioned to my mum that I was worried about how work would react to me taking time off for sick child and she went ballistic. We had a huge row and she has made it quite clear that I have got my priorities all wrong. I explained that I need this job and don't want to lose it as well paid part time jobs are very hard to find but she thinks I am working for luxuries (like bread, gas, electricity I suppose) and should just be able to swan in and out of work when I feel like it. AIBU?

[nametaken]

YANBU - have you considered a childminder, nanny or au-pair - any of these will look after a sick child within reason and you wouldn't have to take time off work.

Juggling work and family sucks doesn't it

[merryandmad]

No you are NBU, but our nursery wouldn't take the dd's until they have been on antiboitics for 3 days.
As you say, well paid Part time jobs are hard to find. My partner and I now work around each other so our 2 dds only have 3 afternoons at nursery- but this is hard work and we have v. little time together.
We would all like to take time off if needed, but we have bills to pay, mouths to feed etc!
Have you explained that you are financially dependant on your job? Would she offer to look after your ds if she doesn't want him to go to nursery when poorly?
Ps. Hope your ds feels better soon

[margesimpsonmoment]

I have considered other childcare arrangements but wouldn't want to bring someone unknown to him in for this specific time. My DS1 starts school in September so have been thinking about getting a nanny for two days a week anyway as current arrangement is going to be for childminder to pick him up and ds2 to still go to nursery.

It really can be difficult and I was kind of counting on my mum for a sympathetic ear rather than a earful. I think she's forgotten what it's like.

[margesimpsonmoment]

Yes I have explained the financial dependence thing but she just doesn't buy it. My mum will and does help with childcare but she has arthritis so I don't like to ask much of her. DS2 is already much better but I was so worried about him yesterday I ended up taking him to A&E and he was kept in overnight and given antibiotics intravenously. So even though he seems better and nursery have said they'll take him after 24 hours on the drugs I just don't feel right leaving him. But still worry about work.