Started a new (quite senior) job nearly three months ago. It's going well, great feedback from my boss, and I like it. For the first time since having DCs, it's full-time in the office - no flexi-time or working from home. Suits me better than I thought as I'm keeping much more sensible working hours with evenings and weekends off.
However, I have always been primary carer for our two DCs. H has hardly ever taken any time off for medical appointments, hospital admissions, school assemblies etc etc. Prior to this job, I managed most of this sort if thing with flexible working (not taking the p, I did the work and the hours).
In the last couple of months I've missed a few bits of stuff with DCs as I was at work - nothing earth-shattering, just things I would usually have done.
This weekend, DS9 has injured himself at cub camp - knocked out a good chunk of his front tooth. It hurts and he clearly needs to see a dentist. My parents could take him, but I feel like I should be there. As it happens, my diary is clear tomorrow (which is almost unheard of) so I'm planning to take a day sick to sort him out. If I'm honest, it's partly because I think he deserves a parent there, partly because I feel guilty and partly because I can make it work this time but may not be able to do the same next time it's anything less than a full-blown emergency.
I'll be missing sports day for DS and a play for DD later in July and totally understand that work comes first then. I wouldn't dream of calling in sick for them. Once I've done 6 months, I'll have annual leave to use to help with this sort of situation.
It's not something I'm doing lightly, and I will make sure I effectively make up the time - will probably do a pile of work from home tomorrow - but I will giving a reason for my absence that isn't accurate. WWYD?