Sick DC and work

[Tiredlights]

How are we all juggling work and having unwell DC?
Mine has yet another virus, fever and vomiting the full works. Not well enough for nursery and I wouldn't want to leave him anyway when he's unwell. My work are generally really fair and understanding, but there's only so many times I can ask to work at home to watch him or take the day off. It doesn't help that he only wants mum when he's not well so I feel massive guilt about leaving him anyway. Family do help out but again it doesn't feel right to ask them when he's sick.

Does father take 50% of time off?

DH and I share out caring for the kids when sick. Depending on how poorly they are I usually wfh on a “I’ll do my best” basis and will do stuff in evening or weekend to catch up.

Fortunately both of our employers are supportive.

Took it in turns with DH to be off with a sick child.

Work calculates leave in hours so I’d
then do as much WFH as I could whilst child napping, then take the rest of the day as annual leave.

Bought extra annual leave to help with covering this

I say this gently as a working mother of 3, you need to stop feeling guilty about letting family help. If they are willing to help, let them or your work will suffer. DC will be fine with people who love and care about him, there is simply not enough annual leave to cover all sickness. Especially when they start school and have 13 weeks off a year!