Sick Day For Family

Advice For Working Parents With Sick Kids

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

I have two kids who seem to get sick all of the time. However, I barely have any sick time that I can take from my job, making it really difficult for me to stay home when they aren't feeling well. Unfortunately, this often means I have to scoot them off to school even when I know they should be at home resting. Do you have any advice for working parents with sick kids who need to stay home from school?

Sincerely,

Get Better Fast

April Masini's advice:

Dear Get Better Fast,

Your kids should be your first priority and they definitely should not be sent off to school when they're sick, especially if they're contagious!

How to come up with a backup plan:

Plan is the operative word here. When your child is NOT sick, pull together a list of babysitters, relatives who can function as babysitters, neighbors who will come through in a pinch, and babysitting agencies that are certified, recommended, etc. Have an UPDATED list of phone numbers for these people. Often local universities have job offices with students who want to do this kind of work. The trick is to keep a supply ready BEFORE you need emergency help.

Talk to your company, boss, and personnel department about this situation and how to handle it. You'll be able to "take the temperature" of your company on its policies -- written and unwritten.