Person A is very unwell after having a procedure yesterday. She was aware that she might feel very ill the next day, because the same thing happened last time, with flu-like side effects.
Before the procedure, Person A told Person B that she would likely need support with their toddler the following day. Person B said they had moved clients to that day because they had already missed work to take Person A to the procedure the day before. However, Person B said they would only need to leave Person A alone with the toddler for around 1.5 hours, and then another 20 minutes at 5pm.
Based on that, they agreed not to arrange family help or a sitter, because Person A thought she would be able to manage with that limited time alone.
Person B’s morning appointments were then cancelled, but instead of staying home to help or taking the toddler to a class, Person B chose to do another work-related task that was not urgent and that the toddler could have gone along to.
Later, once home Person B said they had another last-minute appointment in the middle of the day. If Person A had known this earlier, she would have arranged help from a family member.
Person A said it felt unfair and explained that she was really struggling. Person B replied that the appointment was last minute and that Person A needed to understand what being self-employed is like.
That evening, they discussed it again. Person B said that Person A should understand that, because they are self-employed, they cannot always be relied on, as things come up unexpectedly.
Person A said that she understands things can come up, but felt Person B should have told her as soon as they knew their plans had changed. Person A also felt Person B could have acknowledged the situation, apologised, or offered reassurance, such as saying, “I need to go out, but I’ll take the toddler to the park when I’m back so you can rest.”
Person B said they did not know when they would be back, so they could not commit to taking the toddler to the park. Person A said that if Person B could not commit to helping, they should have told her clearly so she could arrange emergency childcare.
Person B then asked why Person A had not arranged childcare in advance if that was an option. Person A explained that the family member who could help works, but would step in for urgent situations. Person A did not ask them beforehand because she believed Person B would be around for most of the day, based on what had been agreed.
Person A is experiencing a high temperature, shivering, extreme exhaustion, nausea and almost being sick and is struggling to move around or pick up the toddler.
person b also feels like they work alone have so much to do can’t catch a break and now having to look after baby and partner to