Oh gawd, only been back at work three days and now off with sick child :-(

[willnamechangejustforthis]

Feeling so guilty on all fronts, for letting employers down (although have arranged some trusted childcare for later today to enable me to do at least essential tasks) also feel guilty for havng sent DC to nursery for the last three days under the weather, he has been getting worse as the weeks gone on.

Just wanting to share with others that may have gone through/ be going through similar angst!!

I think it's pretty normal to be honest! I've yet to work a full (albeit 3 day) week what with two bank holidays and having to collect poorly DS from nursery. I expect it will get better as their immune systems strengthen.

I could have written this. I went back 6 months ago after a couple of years out. Both DC got sick on my 2nd day!! In fact, I had to take them to the doctor on my third day so was over 2 hours late...

I then endured the next 10 days with neither sleeping properly and a sick DH too! After week 3 I almost resigned.

However, fast forward 6 months and we're all well and adjusted and I am so much happier that I can't imagine not working

When I first went back to work, it was September and my then 8 months old daughter caught everything under the sun that first long winter. I admit that I became quite liberal with the Calpol, but still had to stay home a lot. I had an understanding boss, but I made sure that when I was in I was doing my job at 110%. That included being really proactive, i.e. asking what needed doing in the near future and doing it in advance where possible. I also kept a poker face when feeling tired and tried not to moan, as some colleagues don't appreciate that getting in 2 hours late doesn't mean a lie-in. On the other hand, I chatted to everyone in my office who had children (including my boss) about what happened in their families when the children were sick. Everybody likes giving advice and some might yet be useful. Also, this can help bringing those guys whose wives do all the child-related stuff on your side. Guilt is a fact of life for mums, though I find it dimishes with time :).
In the end I changed career and am working for myself now, which is more flexible with 2 kids.
Good luck with everything!!