Managing kids sick days off school as lone parent

[Pegasus41]

Please talk to me about how you manage days your children are ill and off school, if you work.

I’m currently separated and kids’ Dad is terminally ill with not much life expectancy.

Kids age 7 & 5. Last year with covid, chickenpox and tummy bugs they had weeks off school.

I have no family close by. I could afford to buy in some childcare but don’t know what would help with this predicament. I’m a therapist and cancelling my private clients has a negative impact on the therapeutic work if it’s happening too much. Plus I work 3x days a week in a service in addition.

Unfortunately that is reality.. if there dad doesn't sound well enough someone has to have them..Do you have any family who can help ?

I have no family and no child’s dad. I only work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday as there’s no childcare on bank holidays and inset days at either side of the week. I just take time off, what can you do? It’s held me back at work though, as I know I’m seen as unreliable because of it. It’s rubbish! And my ex gets to progress in his career unhindered.

I'm a mental health nurse ( community ). If need be I either just have to be off and reschedule, or I work from home and offer a telephone or video session. Meetings all tend to be on Teams still so these are not a problem. It feels manageable to be honest.