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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to think working from home with chickenpox child is unfair?

289 replies

Wfhsucks · 11/05/2026 11:13

So I called work this morning as my 5 year old son has chicken pox and they advised for
me to still work (from home) I am really struggling juggling everything and I don’t think it is fair as I couldn’t take him into the office and be expected to work?

OP posts:
RedRiverShore6 · 11/05/2026 11:19

Would they not let you take unpaid leave or holiday.

awayhay · 11/05/2026 11:19

I totally see where you are coming from.

This is why I don’t like the idea of working from home. You’re still expected to work if you’re ill (and if your kid is ill).

I’ve been quite stern with work and said I can’t work if one of them is ill. What are they going to do about it?

I started having awareness seizures during pregnancy. Several times a day, several in the office. My line Manager rang me and said ‘this is why we can work from home’. How fucking cheeky!! I went off sick for 5 months instead and had my multiple daily seizures in peace.

Witchonenowbob · 11/05/2026 11:18

whats happened previously when your child has been unwell? Have you worked from home or taken leave? Is it paid or unpaid?

takealettermsjones · 11/05/2026 11:18

By that age I've definitely done this - they're old enough to be plonked in front of a Disney film and just checked on every so often. What is it you're not able to juggle?

Soontobe60 · 11/05/2026 11:17

Wfhsucks · 11/05/2026 11:16

No, this my point, I wouldn’t be allowed to take him into the office so why am I expected to work with him whilst I am at home?

Show quote history

You’re not. They are giving you a choice here - ‘we are happy for you to WFH, or alternatively you will have to take parental leave’

Denim4ever · 11/05/2026 11:17

So they are suggesting you don't cut into your leave or take unpaid leave. Sounds like a very kind and considerate employer.

dontmalbeconme · 11/05/2026 11:17

Well you could have requested unpaid leave or annual leave if you didn't want to work. I suspect they suggested that you WfH to help you out so that you didn't lose a day of leave or pay. If you wanted annual leave or unpaid leave instead you should have been clearer about communicating that.

Lomonald · 11/05/2026 11:17

Sorry misunderstood, you could have taken parental leave or a half day maybe, did you want your work to just give you time off ?

Original poster
Wfhsucks · 11/05/2026 11:16

Lomonald · 11/05/2026 11:15

So you wanted to take your sick child to work ?

No, this my point, I wouldn’t be allowed to take him into the office so why am I expected to work with him whilst I am at home?

OP posts:
Lomonald · 11/05/2026 11:15

So you wanted to take your sick child to work ?

Topjoe19 · 11/05/2026 11:15

Well just say sorry no can do & take a day leave (paid/unpaid?) Or make the time up?

Burningbud1981 · 11/05/2026 11:15

LaurieFairyCake · 11/05/2026 11:14

Well take parental leave ?

Emergency leave for dependents

LaurieFairyCake · 11/05/2026 11:14

Well take parental leave ?

McSpoot · 11/05/2026 11:14

What were you hoping for?