What do you tell work when your nanny is sick?

[chonky]

Are you honest and say the real reason why you can't make work?
I do, but always feel as though it sounds so flaky. I've only ever had to do it twice, and anyway I would have to be on my death bed before phoning in sick (I'm self-employed so no show, no pay!), so v.v.rarely let people down. it's not the nanny's fault, these things can't be helped, but I somehow struggle with the phoning into work convo.

It's not helped by the fact that I work in male dominated financial services

I just say the truth and take a day's holiday. I know it's a pain but I've never pretended I'm sick. I try to share the time off with DH - it's now fair for it to be me the whole time, especially if I have an important deadline to miss. Typically the only time my nanny has been sick is when DH has been away on business.

Yes, I send an e-mail to my boss and say it days hols if I can't get any work done from home. It usually turns out to be about a half day's hols as a I flip between childcare and work throughout the day.

I also work in a male dominated industry. But I have always found my bosses to be very understanding when my childcare goes pare shaped.

I say she is sick and DH and I juggle the day between us.

Actually he has borne the brunt more than me, just the way things have worked out.

Part of DH's employment package includes emergency childcare - a nursery near his office where the company reserves places and they go to the first people who call in on the day. Obviously no good if the child is sick... We've never used it, mainly because I'm not convinced the DCs would like it, but we've come close. Nice to have as a back-up even if it's only for an hour or two, while you make that really important call/meeting. I mention this because DH is also in financial services - do you have anything similar on offer?