How Do You Handle Your Child’s Sick Day as a Working Parent?
Caring for a sick child can tug at a parent’s heartstrings, but doing so while trying to also juggle the demands of a job can induce feelings of anxiety or even panic. A meeting vs a doctor appointment. A scheduled shift vs the necessity of being home with your child. How can you be in two different places and fill two different needs at the same time?
Highlights asked parents for their strategies on how to handle the tricky balance of working while caring for a sick child. Here are their tips:
1. Lean on your network
“It’s a good idea to seek out someone who would be a willing helper.” - Julie M.
Sometimes we don’t have the flexibility to work from home or to change our schedules due to a child’s illness. When this is the case, consider setting up a care exchange with in-town family members, friends or neighbors. Even if you’re not able to cover the other party’s daytime childcare needs, you can trade for evening or weekend hours, to let them run errands or get a much-needed break. It truly does take a village.
2. Communicate, communicate, communicate
“Communication is key, and you hope your managers can comprehend, especially as a single parent.” - k.93x.o, via Instagram
Some workplaces are understanding of calling off due to childcare needs. Others, not so much. Whichever boat you’re in, communicating with your boss and co-workers can help get needs met and shifts covered. If you work with like-minded people in similar family situations, consider creating a communication chain of individuals who can be ready to cover you, and vice versa. The same goes for your family – anticipate scenarios ahead of time, so you can implement a plan at a moment’s notice.
Caring for a sick child while balancing work responsibilities can be extremely stressful and feel intensely personal.
3. Be flexible with your work-from-home routine
“I do what I can on my phone while sitting with [my child], if that's what they want. Then, while they are sleeping, I try to do my phone calls, either quietly or on a headset. That way, I can get my work done and my little one has me when he needs me.” - Brandi C.
If you’re able to work from home with a sick child, set yourself up for success by resetting your work expectations. Flexibility is key when dealing with the ups and downs of your little one’s illness. Recognizing that you may not be able to tackle your day with the same efficiency as usual can help reduce frustration and get you into a problem-solving mindset — even if the situation and results aren’t ideal.
One way to problem solve: set up a child-friendly snuggle spot close to your workstation, complete with cozy blankets, pillows and their favorite stuffies. Your child can rest, watch a movie or play quietly in the comfort of your presence, while you have a bit of time to cross things off your list.
4. Give yourself (a lot of) grace
“It is a balance! It can be hard to navigate my kiddo’s needs, work duties and everything else. My main focus is communicating with my boss and team, and then being flexible and giving myself grace as I’m able.” - Skylar B.
“It’s not easy. I’ve been there and it’s tough.” - Rocio J.
Caring for a sick child while balancing work responsibilities can be extremely stressful and feel intensely personal. You’re managing two very important things in your life. But if things aren’t going well, remind yourself that it is not a personal failure. It’s a situation that often has no easy or good answer, and it’s not uncommon for many working parents to feel like they’re just scraping by. Sometimes the best we can do is acknowledge that the situation causes us stress and pain, and just keep moving through it.
In every issue of High Five magazine, we have a few special pages for parents called “Spilt Milk.” We invite you to share your parenting inspiration and challenges with us each month, because something as hard as raising kids to be their best selves is a little easier when we do it together!
To join the conversation, visit us on Facebook or Instagram. What strategies have worked for you when trying to balance work and childcare? Let us know in the comments!
