Dealing with a sick child is never fun. But when you’re a working mom, and your child goes to daycare, you end up having to make those tough decisions in the morning. I find myself asking the same questions every time: Does he have a fever? How sick is he really? Will he actually rest if I keep him home, or is he better off at daycare?
These questions are much easier to answer when I don’t have important meetings scheduled or deadlines to meet. They’re also much easier when my CPA husband isn’t in the middle of tax season.
I’ve fallen prey to the whole “I’m sick and need to spend the day resting on the couch” bit before. Next thing I know, I’m being asked if we can go outside and play. He’s bored, and I’m not getting any work done.
Typically, it takes a temp of at least 102 to get my kids to slow down or even admit they don’t feel well.
And, yes, I’ve given my kids Tylenol to mask a slight fever, dropped them off and hoped for the best. It usually works. Usually.
We working moms have to make tough decisions sometimes and face (gasp) the judgment of others when we make those decisions. Or at least the perception of that judgment. Let’s admit it, a lot of that guilt is in our own heads.
I know my kids. And I know when they need to stay home. I know when it’s time to call the doctor or give them medicine. Even if it might seem to be later that other moms. Dropping off my sick child only to be called back a couple hours later to pick him up never feels good. (Especially when it happens twice in one week.) But I always stand behind my decisions as a mom because I know that no one knows my kids like me.
And, hey, no one’s perfect.
I’m not feeling guilty at all this week. Really.
How about you? Do you get that working mom’s guilt when your child is sick?
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