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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

The worst thing about parenting is not being able to take a sick day

5 replies

stayawayfromthattrapdoor · 25/02/2026 14:13

Actually I'm not sure whether this is definitely worse than "having to think of something for dinner every damn day" but it's certainly close.

Honestly I've always found the general lack of freedom that comes with being a parent a reasonable trade-off - fewer spontaneous nights out, less time for myself, all of that. But one thing which is just...urgh...is when you're ill and you can't just sign off sick for the day.

I've taken a sick day from work today with a heavy cold. But I still needed to be up at 6am to get the kids up and sort breakfast and packed lunches, do the school run. I've gone back to bed now but will be back up later to do pick up, dinner, bath and bedtime.

Pre-DC I'd probably have just have had a slow start to the day, powered through a work day and then tucked myself up in bed with a lemsip, toast and boxset as soon as I was home. Or I'd have had a true duvet-day and not got out of my PJs at all. Sometimes DH can pick up the slack but it's difficult with his work and I'd have to be at death's door. I'd just like a day off to feel sorry for myself!

(and before anyone starts, yes I know there are many other things that could be much worse - I'm poorly and having a grumble!)

OP posts:
WeepingAngelInTheTardis · 25/02/2026 14:14

Its a cold, not a disability it could be worse they could be on half term. Smile

AnneLovesGilbert · 25/02/2026 14:16

Hope you feel better soon. One of my lowest parenting moments was a year ago, had one child poorly in hospital, DH was with her, I was really ill, had an even iller toddler with me at home, barely slept for two weeks, aged a decade.

stayawayfromthattrapdoor · 25/02/2026 14:20

AnneLovesGilbert · 25/02/2026 14:16

Hope you feel better soon. One of my lowest parenting moments was a year ago, had one child poorly in hospital, DH was with her, I was really ill, had an even iller toddler with me at home, barely slept for two weeks, aged a decade.

Oh god that sounds horrific!

I think our actual worst was when both DH and I had covid at the same time at start of the pandemic and were stuck at home with the v young DC and couldn't even ask anyone for help because we were isolating. We had some neighbours drop provisions at the door but that was all they could do.

OP posts:
stayawayfromthattrapdoor · 25/02/2026 14:22

Or norovirus when home alone with a baby and toddler. shudder.

OP posts:
CloakedInGucci · 25/02/2026 14:37

It’s extra annoying when your child brings home the bug, bounces back pretty quickly, but when you catch it you spend several days half dead on the sofa while they want to play 😒

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