Single working mums what do you do when your child is ill?

[mommycat]

Single working mums, what do you if your child is ill and you are employed by a company? I am asking self-employed as well as I am currently looking for work and deciding whether to get a job, become self -employed or ? gulp, horror ? stay on benefits until DD is 12 and able to look after herself (I do have a DH but he is disabled with heart problems so it is like I am a single mum with 2 kids, not a couple with one kid. DH can?t look after DD for an hour here or there or do school run or look after her when she is ill.)

You take the time off and hope you don't get sacked

Self employed is the best option if you can rely on it.

Some companies, like mine, have policies for parental care. E.g 3 days per year paid leave for emergencies if childcare arrangements breakdown, some depending on the job might allow days working from home. Check these out in your terms and conditions and in their policy books.
If it's for longer time periods some may allow a certain amount of unpaid leave. It really depends on the company and your line management and how much they value your role too.
Failing that, do as Coldtits says.

As citronella says.
It isn't really a single parent issue - it's a working parent issue. Where both parents work, they have exactly the same dilemna.

well with 2 working parents the pressure is divided, when you're alone you can't even have the discussion with anyone as to who is going to take a day off, it may be the same dilemma but it doubles in intensity when you are on your own

You don't have exactly the same dilemma, you only have half the chance of having to take the day off because there are two of you, and if one of you DOES get sacked, at least the other still has a job.

what Coldtits said

jeez

also what I said

self-employment has worked best for me, that and the children getting older so I have more options - eg: sometimes an older one can be there to care for the youngest one, or I can rearrange my work a bit, or in worst case scenario I bundle up the sick one and take her to work with me (I tend to be outdoors most of the time, working with animals, and she can snuggle up in the land rover with engine running and a book for company)

I am no longer a single parent but when I was I tried my best to have back up plan, my mum although she was not very flexible and would try and put me on a guilt trip that I shouldnt be working and be at home with my children. A friend from the childrens school also helped and I would equally help when she was struck, we worked different days (not at the same place) so that worked quite well. Although I know not every one has luxury of others that can help. When ds1 was in hospital for a week, I had to take a week of unpaid which meant I was really really struck, I went to the benefit office and explained and with proof of drop in income and they helped with my rent that month. Thankfully my boss is also really good and understanding when you have to take time off for family things