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Step-parenting

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Original poster

Poorly children

47 replies

Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 10:07

Whole household is unwell
my DP has got past it
Me and DC1 (3m - I’m FTM) caught a bad flu (the worst I’ve had it for a long time. could have been covid but didn’t test) last week, I am slightly better but not 100%. DC1 is still unwell and fussier, clinger than normal
DSC (13y) is now ill, but symptoms are different. Possible Covid but also saying feels like going to be sick. DSC is not self sufficient and also wouldn’t expect them to be if unwell but just explaining as adds added pressure

Is it unreasonable to ask DP to take the morning off work to take DSC to doctors and potentially rest of day if needed to help with DSC. Should DC1 have been normal I would have been able to cope better.

OP posts:
Hoardasurass · 20/10/2025 10:11

Why would your dsc need to see a dr over a virus/cold ?

Original poster
Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 10:12

sky high temp has been recommended by 111
unsure what it actually is atm

OP posts:
Hoardasurass · 20/10/2025 10:16

How high is it and have you given him paracetamol to bring it down?

Splats · 20/10/2025 10:18

What does FTM mean?

AusMumhere · 20/10/2025 10:20

Splats · 20/10/2025 10:18

What does FTM mean?

First time Mum

Splats · 20/10/2025 10:23

AusMumhere · 20/10/2025 10:20

First time Mum

Show quote history

Ah!

Splats · 20/10/2025 10:24

Surely an ill 13 year old kid just needs an occasional drink bringing to them?

When mine were ill and I was very ill too (and DH was away) I just had us all camp out in the sitting room so I didn't have to move around the house too much to look after them

ComfortFoodCafe · 20/10/2025 10:25

Yes it would be unreasonable and take them to the doctors to pass on to vulnerable people. Clearly some kind of viral or sick bug.

Original poster
Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 10:26

ComfortFoodCafe · 20/10/2025 10:25

Yes it would be unreasonable and take them to the doctors to pass on to vulnerable people. Clearly some kind of viral or sick bug.

Have followed all medical advice my fathers a medical professional so have done all needed.
we are following advice we have been given

OP posts:
AnneLovesGilbert · 20/10/2025 10:27

Not sure what you’re asking then. Has he stayed at home to take DS to the doctor?

Original poster
Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 10:29

Sorry was asking if it was unreasonable for my DP to take morning off work/potentially the day to help out

OP posts:
Original poster
Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 10:29

Have no other help nearby

OP posts:
BudgetBuster · 20/10/2025 10:33

If you are on the mend, then yeah I think you should be well able to look after 2 kids. One of whom will just want cuddles and some milk all day, probably lots of naps and the other who is a teen and therefore you can fill water bottles and bring toast or crackers to them in bed or laid on the couch or whatever plus keep on top of paracetamol.

If the older kid needed to go the GP then yeah I'd say it's reasonable dad takes him considering the baby is sick also but definitely go back to work after.

But from what it sounds, you're srepkid just has the same virus as you all. Vomiting is actually ripe with the latest strain of covid.

Also... please don't go to a GP or anywhere without having tested. You've mentioned a few times you haven't bothered to test. Do not bring that teen out to possibly infect others.

Missymarple · 20/10/2025 10:39

If it helps, I did test and was positive for COVID recently and main symptoms were high temp and feeling like I was going to vomit constantly. It was nothing like the COVID I had in 2021 which was mainly throat and cough related.

Splats · 20/10/2025 11:03

Where's DSC mum in all this.?
Mine would want to be with their mum not with a resentful step mum (I expect that's why they don't go to their dad's house much anymore)

Original poster
Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 11:10

Splats · 20/10/2025 11:03

Where's DSC mum in all this.?
Mine would want to be with their mum not with a resentful step mum (I expect that's why they don't go to their dad's house much anymore)

What on earth are you on about, I’m asking if it’s unreasonable to expect a little more help from DP. Why’s this battle of the step mum/mums?

OP posts:
MrsSkylerWhite · 20/10/2025 11:12

Splats · 20/10/2025 10:24

Surely an ill 13 year old kid just needs an occasional drink bringing to them?

When mine were ill and I was very ill too (and DH was away) I just had us all camp out in the sitting room so I didn't have to move around the house too much to look after them

Edited

Not if they have a rocketing temp and 111 has said see a doctor 🙄

Though of course this is MN where you do t trouble the NHS unless you have an axe - firmly - wedged in your head.

ComfortFoodCafe · 20/10/2025 11:12

Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 10:26

Have followed all medical advice my fathers a medical professional so have done all needed.
we are following advice we have been given

Show quote history

Ridiculous, theres a sick bug going around at the moment. Sure the GP will absolutely love you taking a sick bug into the surgery.

MellowPinkDeer · 20/10/2025 11:12

I wouldn’t be looking after my step kids if they are ill. I would expect their mum to or their dad to stay home so no, you’re not unreasonable to say your partner has to stay home to deal with it.

Original poster
Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 11:15

MellowPinkDeer · 20/10/2025 11:12

I wouldn’t be looking after my step kids if they are ill. I would expect their mum to or their dad to stay home so no, you’re not unreasonable to say your partner has to stay home to deal with it.

Okay perfect, just wanted to know if what the usual arrangement would be for people?

OP posts:
Lourdes12 · 20/10/2025 11:15

If I was sick at the age of 13 I would stay home on my own whilst my parents went to work. My mum would call and check in on me

dammit88 · 20/10/2025 11:16

I don’t think it’s unreasonable for him to take morning off to take them to the dr as you have been advised to OP.

BudgetBuster · 20/10/2025 11:22

Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 11:15

Okay perfect, just wanted to know if what the usual arrangement would be for people?

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How has this never come up in conversation before OP? Like you are married and have a child with this man... you've obviously been in SC's life a substantial length of time.

Has SC never been ill at your house before? Or is it just that you are off on Mat Leave now so automatically at home

Original poster
Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 11:24

BudgetBuster · 20/10/2025 11:22

How has this never come up in conversation before OP? Like you are married and have a child with this man... you've obviously been in SC's life a substantial length of time.

Has SC never been ill at your house before? Or is it just that you are off on Mat Leave now so automatically at home

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DSC living with us is fairly new, so is child, so is the mat leave situation. So just trying to understand level of involvement step parents normally have that’s all

OP posts:
BudgetBuster · 20/10/2025 11:25

Supercalafragalistic3885 · 20/10/2025 11:24

DSC living with us is fairly new, so is child, so is the mat leave situation. So just trying to understand level of involvement step parents normally have that’s all

Show quote history

So the SC has moved in with you guys full time recently?