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Original poster

I can’t do this

34 replies

Mellybell · 12/12/2021 22:53

Hi,
My child has tested positive for Covid. He’s not unwell (thankfully) just really clingy and needy! Wanting constant cuddles etc.
I had to start wfh from Friday, but I am a single parent and he has no brothers or sisters so there is literally just the two of us.
He’s only 5 and I work really long days where I am spending alot of time on the phone.

He will entertain himself for a while but then gets quite frustrated that he is technically on his own. I’ve tried numerous things to keep him entertained (switch, YouTube, my phone, set him little work booklets, made him a special corner next to me) but it’s just not cutting it.

He’s really emotional at the minute as he knows he’s not going to his school Xmas party, missing out on seeing his friends and just generally run down and quite sad alot of the time because he is a very social kid.

I can’t afford to not work, my boss isn’t really understanding and has told me to just crack on. I’m crying at the thought of having to do a full week of this and if I don’t hit my targets for work or do my job properly there will be consequences but I also don’t feel like I can just “ignore my child” so to speak.

I don’t know the point of this post just that I’m really struggling right now and wondered if anyone had any tips etc coz I’m dreading waking up and trying to find a balance when I know one or the other will suffer!

OP posts:
lunar1 · 13/12/2021 07:38

Are you entitled to the £500 assistance that can be arranged as your child has tester positive? T&T asked me about it but I didn't ask the criteria as we wouldn't need it.

MyView2 · 13/12/2021 07:39

Have you checked out Outschool.com? You might find some online fun classes for him to dial into appropriate for his age group that would give him some social interaction and give you some time back.

HighlandCowbag · 13/12/2021 07:43

This is so difficult OP. You poor thing. Assuming you have to work I would email your boss and his boss if he has one, explain clearly and without any ambiguity that you are wfh with an ill child, that you will do your absolute best but obviously in the situation you may not achieve all your targets. Ask for their understanding and support and for some flexibility.

That way if you do miss targets it is documented that you prewarned them and if anything ever comes of it via disciplinary action you have something to fall back on to explain the situation.

TinyTear · 13/12/2021 08:23

Are there other kids off in his class?
How about setting a zoom chat with his friends and even a zoom christmas show?

Original poster
Mellybell · 13/12/2021 08:37

The school are being very hush hush about if anyone is off with it - and with Covid I haven’t really had the chance to get to know any other mums, except for one and I know her child is still at school.

I know it’s only for another week, but I just feel like I can’t do this. I have been working for 30 minutes and he’s sat on my knee crying- he is very emotional at the minute and keeps saying he has no one to play with.

OP posts:
CactusFlowers · 13/12/2021 08:39

You might qualify for an isolation grant if you have to take time off. www.gov.uk/test-and-trace-support-payment

NoSquirrels · 13/12/2021 08:40

Do you have HR at your workplace?

TinyTear · 13/12/2021 12:26

@Mellybell

The school are being very hush hush about if anyone is off with it - and with Covid I haven’t really had the chance to get to know any other mums, except for one and I know her child is still at school.

I know it’s only for another week, but I just feel like I can’t do this. I have been working for 30 minutes and he’s sat on my knee crying- he is very emotional at the minute and keeps saying he has no one to play with.

The school should say if there are other positive cases, we got emailed about it and then in the whatsapp group the parents said who it was. - this was so much better as we could see who plays with whom and be more aware (although in my child's year there are not 25% off positive and another few kids off because parents are positive or because siblings are)

Is there a class what's app? try and see if anyone would like a zoom playdate or something

DespairingHomeowner · 13/12/2021 14:23

@HighlandCowbag

This is so difficult OP. You poor thing. Assuming you have to work I would email your boss and his boss if he has one, explain clearly and without any ambiguity that you are wfh with an ill child, that you will do your absolute best but obviously in the situation you may not achieve all your targets. Ask for their understanding and support and for some flexibility.

That way if you do miss targets it is documented that you prewarned them and if anything ever comes of it via disciplinary action you have something to fall back on to explain the situation.

This is good advice.

How long have you been with the company & has your perormance always been ok?

I think AS A VERY MINIMUM a reasonable manager would allow you to flex your hours a bit, so have a few breaks in the day to pay attention to your child to 'catch up' and lighten the load a little bit...

Can you speak to HR to see what they can advise? Copying in boss' boss is a good move as at a certain point people do not wish to seem unreasonable

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