DD unwell, had to take a day off, works reaction..

It is normal to be expected to try to find some other childcare for run of the mill illnesses. Can your ex do a day? Do you have the funds to book a babysitting service like Koru / sitters / etc? Or is there any work you could do from home to be useful while not fully present? You can use the emergency parental leave, but trying to minimise how much time you take is a fair expectation from employers.

I wouldn't read too much into her sighing, she told you that a bunch of people are off, she's having a really shitty day with a lot to sort out. Don't take her stress reaction personally unless she actually creates an issue when you return to work.

Is there anyone who can have dd? If not then what does your manager expect to you do? Magic up a nanny? Bring your sick kid into work with you? Leave her home alone?

It’s not ideal but it’s life and if they’re a good employer they should understand.

Op big hugs. I’ve been in a similar situation & it’s sooo stressful!
Ultimately if your dd is ill, you just have to put her first don’t you?! What other option do you have!? I would try not to feel guilty about that - especially if you’ve not had much time off. Obviously apologise etc but explain she’s poorly, needs you as her mum & you have no other childcare options available.

You're entitled to reasonable emergency leave. Different employers and situations will have different benchmarks.

E.g. if you're a single parent woth no support, fine for you to be off. If you have a husband, he needs to take a turn if there is no childcare alternative (assuming obviously we are talking about a runnof the mill cold and a day off scool and not urgent inpatient treatment)

Eta - appreciate you are a single parent, that was just an example of circs.

Eta AGAIN (soz) if I had no alternatives e.g. grandparents, I'd hold firm for parental leave. Not sick or annual.