Help! My child is sick
It’s Monday the day of the week we all dread! When that alarms goes off, I expect most of us shudder thinking about the week ahead and wish we could press snooze for that extra 10 minutes. Today I’ve had a really bad Monday as my child is sick. When my alarm went off this morning I knew I had to get up early to make a head start on the day, as I had a feeling our little girl was ill after showing some signs yesterday.
I expect it is teething, but she’s running a slight temperature, not really eating, and also being sick. She’s also managed to soak about 10 bibs so far today, and is enjoying chewing her Gertie the Goose……loads.
I’m being selfish and starting to think that it is actually worse for me. I work from home on a Monday. 7 out of 8 Monday’s so far have been absolutely fine with her happily playing and sleeping. Today is a different story altogether! Screaming, far too much screaming.
I’ve tried everything I can think off to try to take the pain away:
- Calpol
- Dentinox
- Yoghurt
- Weetabix
- CBeebies
- Toy train
- A package that arrived
- Breadsticks
- Books
All of my attempts have lasted a few minutes, until the screaming starts again and the hands are back in the mouth.
This afternoon I’ve had a balancing act of juggling emails, calls, and documents with said screaming child. Some tasks are easier than others to do with an ill baby. The feeling of not being able to do something properly or devote enough time to it is terrible. However I am in no way a bad Mummy for choosing to go back to work.
It came to a point this afternoon where she needed me to pick her up and give her a cuddle, and make the teething pain go away. That’s when I feel guilty about working at home, but this is the first time since going back to work that I’ve felt that way. Had she been well today the day would be going smoothly.
Having said all this she is now fast asleep cuddling her bunny. I hope it lasts.
It’s tricky being a working Mum, trying to find the right balance between parenting and working. Whatever you prioritise you always feel that you’re neglecting the other. But when your child really needs you, you know what needs to be prioritised. Once she goes to bed tonight, I’ll be back at the laptop catching up. I hope that she is ok to go to nursery tomorrow, but if she’s not we live in a world with Internet and smartphones and I don’t need to be in the office to get work done.
Thank god, there is gin and chocolate at the end of the day.
Have you ever been in this situation, what have have you done when your child is sick. I would love to hear from you.
Claire x
61 Comments
Single Mum Speaks
I have been in this situation. Luckily as Piglet is with my mum 3 days a week, he can stay with her when he’s ill, so it’s only when he’s ill on his nursery days that it’s a problem. I do feel bad leaving him with my mum when he’s sick, but I have no choice. #tribe
The Pramshed
Ah you’re lucky Min that you have family and parents to rely on. Unfortunately we don’t have any family in London, so it’s super tricky when she’s ill or if we’re ill. I hope that by tomorrow she is back to her normal self again. Thanks so much for reading and commenting 🙂 x
justsayingmum
Oh Claire I really feel for you and yes I’ve been in this situation and the guilt consumes you with both your work and your role as a Mummy – I worked full time after having my three and everything ran beautifully until one was poorly and then it felt like the worst day ever and you never manage to think they will ever be better and that normal life will resume … but it does Claire and if your employer has got it right they will know that you are awesome at your job and that you probably put more in to compensate for having children … tomorrow is a new day my lovely and I really hope your little one wakes much brighter xx
The Pramshed
Thank you Helen for your lovely comment, that has just made me feel better reading it 🙂 It’s so hard isn’t it, but it hope it’s a one off for today only. I’m currently sitting with my feet up with a brew. Can’t wait to get into bed tonight. Tomorrow is a new day 🙂 x
Sarah - Mum & Mor
I’m sorry to hear about your little one. It must be challenging, especially if you work full-time. Hoping she’s better now. #fortheloveofBLOG
Claire
It’s so hard when things don’t run smoothly and you feel like you’re not properly focused on either parenting or work. But you’re right, working doesn’t make you a bad parent, you’re doing what’s best for your family. Nor does it make you a bad employee as these things happen. I hope your little one feels better soon! Xx #fortheloveofblog
Cathryn - Little Paper Swans
I decided not to go back to my job after my year mat leave finished. Instead I’ve turned self employed with my passion photography and taking on sponsored posts with blogging. I struggle balancing life, looking after Edith and spending time with my husband. It’s crazy how much work I have to do but it’s all worth it! Forever feeling the mum guilt!
#fortheloveofblog
Jaki
It is very hard. I’m lucky that I have my parents and inlaws just up the road so it’s never really affected me that much. But on days when all my little one wants and needs is me, my work are very understanding. I too have the ability to work from home if and when it’s required. But it is a juggling act! I hope your little one is better soon. #fortheloveofBLOG
Claire @ Sandbmama2015
It sounds like you have your priorities right as a mummy. I recently went back to work and I felt so guilty at first for leaving me 2, but it has to be done if I want them to have the standard of living in wish for them. Sounds like your nailing this working mama malarkey #fortheloveofBLOG
Geraldine
It really is so challenging. Anytime A is sick or her minder is for that matter, there’s a mad struggle to figure out what to do and where work fits in. Our kids comes first always. It must be difficult to work from home tho #fortheloveofblog
aliduke79hotmailcom
There have been plenty of times where one of my children has been ill and I have to take time off work to look after them. Now I work evenings so it doesn’t affect my day too much if they are poorly.
#fortheloveofBLOG
Suz
I used to work from home when my youngest was small, which sounds like a great solution but I found it was actually harder because he’d want my attention and couldn’t really understand why I wasn’t giving it when I was there with him. Luckily, if he wasn’t well, I had the option to turn work down.
Fingers crossed your little one will be better soon and you can get back to normal.
#fortheloveofBLOG
Mimi Rose & Me
I just feel so awful when my little lady is ill, she gets ill everything she sees her cousin! I just feel so guilty. Calpol is our savour. But for teething we used Nurofen, Biccy Peg and Sophie The Giraffe!!!!
fancypaperblog
It is so hard. I know it will be over soon though and become a memory xx we had a ton of bugs slash monster teeth problems earlier this year and I wrote loads about it. https://fancypaperblog.wordpress.com/2016/05/06/surviving-unexpected-toddler-bugs/
I will add it to the link up x fair play to you hosting with a sickness on the go!! #fortheloveofBLOG
Back With A Bump
It’s so hard having an I’ll child and being helpless. I’ve dealt with it to the extreme and felt utterly useless. I also remember my eldest having chicken pox and my boss expected me to work from home and look after her! #fortheloveofblog
Let your light shine Mummy
I hate to see them poorly, both our boys have a viral wheeze at the moment, and we have just spent 3 nights in hospital with BB to treat it, not fun. I hope your little one is feeling better. Sounds like your doing all the right things. Xx #fortheloveofBLOG
Susie Hawes
Yep, been there! It’s rubbish. I went back to work part time, 3 days a week in January. Between then and April my daughter was ill with temps of 39-40 every few weeks. It was so stressful, we were referred to hospital to find any underlying cause but it was just a case of winter baby who seemed to just suffer from nursery. My inlaws are about 45 mins away so would sometimes have her, or I’d have to take time off work. I guess it’s hard working from home, but at least you’re there for her. In the end I couldn’t do it, and the illnesses in addition to some other factors meant I left work to be a SAHM. Course as soon as I did that she’s only had a couple of colds or temps! Hope your baby is well again soon xx
#fortheloveofBLOG
Sunita
Whether we’re SAHMs or working mums, we’re awesome! It’s always tough having to deal with your little ones’ sick days. When I went back to work in March I ended up booking holidays to for when they were sick. Typically chicken pox appeared on my one-year old the first month back at work!! Luckily I work 3 days a week. I know now that I can’t feel guilty if I need to stay at home and look after the kids when they’re sick – that’s also my job as a mummy. The most grown-up job I’ll ever do! #fortheloveofBLOG
peppermint cove blog Lou
It is heart wrenching managing to juggle sick children and work- everything is all fine until one of them is ill. Hope she is fully mended now #fortheloveofBLOG
ljdove23
Aww I’m sorry she was poorly, hope she is feeling better. I’m a SAHM so haven’t been in this situation for a long time but when my eldest was younger and I was a single mum, I worked full time and it used to break my heart when he was poorly. It’s hard work juggling ANYTHING when the kids are sick, let alone work on top! #fortheloveofblog
Squirmy Popple
I can’t imagine trying to work while caring for a sick child – that must be so hard! I’ve had to go into the office when the Popple was sick, leaving her home with my husband, and I felt terrible about it. Sometimes there’s not much you can do but offer lots of cuddles and Calpol until it passes – though I find that allowing the Popple some extra screen time to watch her favourite music videos helps distract her for a little while too. #fortheloveofBLOG
Fi - Beauty Baby and Me
Bless you hun – trying to get stuff done with a demanding baby is tricky enough at the best of times, but when they are sick too – argh!!!!!! Lose the plot time. It sounds like you did everything though and little one is a lucky little munchkin to be so well looked after and loved. Thanks for hosting #fortheloveofBLOG xx
anywaytostayathome
I’ve done this more times than I care to remember. I’ve given him my phone to watch YouTube whilst he cuddles in and I one hand type or deal with calls. I’ve given up and worked until the small hours that night after he’s asleep. I’ve roped in grandparents. I’ve done all you’ve tried doing. You just get by. It’s the best you can do. #fortheloveofBLOG
The Pramshed
Yep I completely agree with you, you just do what you need to do. You’re lucky that you have grandparents nearby, as we have no family or alternative arrangements for childcare in London. Thanks for reading and commenting x
Peachy and her Mommy
You’re lucky that you can work from home if you need to. I’m still on maternity leave but I don’t think I can go back to work when it’s over. My workplace is not so flexible and I don’t think I would be very good at juggling work and parenting. I admire the people who can do it all. #fortheloveofBLOG
The Pramshed
There needs to be such a change in attitude towards flexible working and parent’s with children. I’m lucky where I work that I am offered this, however it is still a juggling act with long hours, as that’s the nature of what I do. Could you go back part time at all? Wishing you all the luck with what you decide x
Tooting Mama
Hey you got it right, you need to prioritise and the kid comes first. Send that guilt packing and just remember you are an awesome mum!
The Pramshed
Fab comment thank you x
Topsy Turvy Tribe
Thank God for gin and chocolate! Sounds like an awful day for you, hope she is fully recovered now. It’s hard enough to get anything done with a sick child, let alone work…respect is due! #fortheloveofBLOG
The Pramshed
Thanks lovely, she is fully recovered. It’s a sad state of affairs but I have a four pack of M&S ready made G & T in the fridge x
mainy - myrealfairy
Oh I hope that she is on the mend now. It is difficult to think what to do for the best when they are ill. I’ve brought my two up with me having to work with both of them. It’s so hard when they are ill; there is the worry of them being poorly, the guilt of not going to work and all the guilt of being a working mum. Guilt and worry….parenthood;) Oh and alot of happy times too x
Mainy
#fortheloveofBLOG
The Pramshed
Guilt and worry is terrible and both come hand in hand. In times like this, I just had to prioritise, and close the laptop. Thanks for reading and commenting x
OddHogg
I don’t work, but Piglet had his first cold this week and I found it a lot tougher looking after him than usual. I couldn’t imagine having to work alongside that – well done you! #fortheloveofblog
The UnNatural Mother
Im due back at work next month and i am dreading it now i have 2 kids. I was due to go to London for a meeting when my eldest got Chicken Pox so i had to cancel as i couldnt leave him. Kid first work second.
#fortheloveofblog
The Pramshed
Oh no, but I agree with your theory. It’s really hard to find a balance, without feeling the guilt x
Happy Wawa
Singing. Lots of singing. And Teletubbies.
Gin and chocolate for mum is an excellent idea! #fortheloveofBLOG
The Pramshed
Ooh yes Gin any day! Will it help to kill my cold and cough x
Grounded Mummy
I think we must be living parallel lives, my 11 month old has been exactly the same this week, it’s so hard because I know she is poorly but it’s exhausting being on 24-7. I admire that you’re working and going through all of this, at least I can just be a mombie during the day, I’m not sure I could hold a sensible conversation with anyone right now! I know it’s hard being at work but you are doing amazing. My mum was a working mum, she brought us up on her own and I really respect her for that. I always admired her work ethic and although I love being at home with my two little ones, I also can’t wait to go back to work. Although I’m sure then I will wish I’m at home – can we ever win?! Hope you get some much needed r&r this bank holiday weekend. #fortheloveofblog
The Pramshed
It’s so hard, especially as I’ve also been sick pretty much since my daughter started nursery. I really need to shake the cold and permanent cough now, which is making is super hard at work. Good luck with going back to work, you will be fine x
Siena Says
I remember the fear only too well of the child beginning to show symptoms of something and then feeling the guilt for hoping that it wouldn’t develop into something! I was once in a really important meeting at work and waiting for a call from Nursery to say my daughter might have chickenpox (there were many false alarms, she just had bad nappy rash, poor thing)
I now work from home and I know how hard that can be too. That’s the joy of being a mum, being pulled in all directions!
Hope she is feeling much better now xxx
#fortheloveofBLOG
The Pramshed
It’s tough isn’t it. She is feeling better I think, teething more so now. I just need to feel better too. Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂 X
babyledblog
It’s so hard when little ones are ill. I’m a teacher and it’s really hard to get time off when he is sick. Love the goose! Where is it from? Also – for teething I found anbesol worked for my boy. He had all his teeth at 15 months and got loads all at the same time. #fortheloveofblog
The Pramshed
I can imagine that must be hard. I was offered it to review, you can buy it from Kiddicare. I’m thinking we might have to revert to Anbesol today, two big molars are pushing up :(. Thanks for reading and commenting x
Nadia - ScandiMummy
You should definitely not feel guilty, and I know you know this and love your job. I am however curious how it works with working from home with a baby (also when they are not ill). I’m thinking of going back to full time work but was hoping to get a day working from home and not sure if it can work with Caspian being so active at 18 months. Anyway, I hope you lovely little girl is better. Always check for an ear infection when they are teething and run a fever… we learned this the hard way. #fortheloveofBLOG
Nadia – ScandiMummy x
The Pramshed
It works quite well as she plays in her play pen, and is pretty good at sleeping in the day, so it allows me enough time get stuff done. I tend to have a longer extended day on a Monday. We are hopefully getting better thanks, she is off the antibiotics tomorrow. It’s just me that needs to get better now. Thanks for reading and commenting xx
Karen : TwoTinyHan
Oh Claire, I hope all are feeling better now and all caught up with work? I respect anyone’s decision to go back to work after a little. I know it must get easier but I really couldn’t imagine it! #fortheloveofblog
The Pramshed
Thanks lovely, still under the weather – the end must be in sight. It’s tough going back, but hopefully it’ll all pay off once our immune systems are built up xx
Single Mum Speaks
Back again from #fortheloveofBLOG Hope little one is better now!
The Pramshed
Thanks Min, she’s getting better – tomorrow is the last day on the antibiotics xx
Upside Mum
I’m so lucky to have my mum, as she can still keep my kids if they are unwell. I can’t ever work from home with my job so I don’t know what I would do otherwise! Hope little one is better now. #fortheloveofBLOG
Themotherhub
That’s a tricky situation . Great that you are able to work from home one day a week ; wish more employers would see that in his day and age not many of us actually need to be in the office all day every day. Hope calm is restored this week ! #fortheloveofblog
The Pramshed
It makes it a lot easier and flexible too, my Monday is a slightly longer day but we manage and it means that I get a day with my little one at home. Thanks for reading and commenting x
Kat
Well the good thing about working from home is chocolate is available pretty much all throughout the day 🙂 But seriously, I know this, sometimes when Evie’s unwell and I know I can’t dedicate all my time to her as I have to work…it’s hard finding a balance as a work at home mum too but at least there is a bit more flexibility when you have the option of working from home. I hope baby is feeling better now! #fortheloveofblog
Emma Plus Three
Oh no Claire! I’m sorry to hear she’s been unwell. I hope she’s on the mend now x #fortheloveofBLOG
The Pramshed
Thanks lovely, it’s been a tricky week, but she is better now x
Busy Working Mummy
We struggle when little man is ill as hubby and I both work full time. whichever one of us is less busy stays off for the first day and then we usually alternate. if not I end up having to take all the time off to be with him until he is better. Hope she is feeling better now #fortheloveofBLOG
The Pramshed
It’s really tough isn’t it. She’s feeling better now thanks x
Kate Orson
I hope your little one is feeling better. It’s so hard juggling everything when our children are sick. Where we are in Switzerland, natural medicine like homeopathy is much more accepted so I have all sorts of things to give my daughter when she gets ill. I’m sure she just likes the sugar pills, and the placebo effect always seems to help! #fortheloveofBLOG
The Pramshed
Ah that is exactly what I need. My daughter is better but I am sick (again!). We seem to be playing sick tennis. Thanks for reading and commenting x
Cal at Family Makes
I really hope your little one is feeling better now. It’s so hard being a working mum. You just proved exactly what I was going to say though, I was much more conscientious about work after having kids, and it seems you are too – working extra hard to make up for any time lost and more besides. It doesn’t make it any easier when you’re going through it though. Hang on in there! #FortheloveofBLOG
Silly Mummy
Aww bless her! I’ve been a SAHM so far, so not juggled the work. But even juggling two kids & the stuff at home is hard when one is ill. & I have had the kids & me be ill with stomach bug, which was quite hard to balance! My parents were teachers when I was little – most times I was sent home or couldn’t go to school as ill, I recall spending the day lying in staff rooms in a different school! 😀 #fortheloveofBLOG