Daycare Moms - what do you do when your child is sick?

I am trying to go back to work but starting a new job concerns me because I am not sure what would happen if DS got sick and couldn't go to day care one day (or more). Do you stay home and take a sick day? What if your child needs to be home for several days? How on earth do people do this?

Re: Daycare Moms - what do you do when your child is sick?

I am home with Noah today, he had pink eye, then it went away, then he had pink eye again (ish) I think he just has a cold that gets into his eyes

Anyway, I am home with him today. If it was a long term illness, my husband and I would swap who had off, probably depending on whose workload was higher.

Re: Daycare Moms - what do you do when your child is sick?

DH and I take turns taking days off. Both our bosses just LOVE us for that. We both get a lot of grief for days off at work, but what can we do? She is asthmatic and sometimes it's a few days at a time. We just do it, and hope that we don't get fired!

Re: Daycare Moms - what do you do when your child is sick?

In the UK our companies have to give us time off to take care of sick children and/or family members. And many companies pride themselves on having family friendly policies, so its not really an issue.

Kids get sick, someone has to take care of them!

Re: Daycare Moms - what do you do when your child is sick?

Either one of us stays home with her, or one of our parents babysits.

We are fortunate to have a few people nearby who are more than willing to help out though.

Re: Daycare Moms - what do you do when your child is sick?

If contagious, most daycare won't take kids for a minimum of 24 hours after starting antibiotics and they usually want a Dr's note. They take kids with colds (that's how DS got his!)

We take turns. I had just gone back to work and DS got sick. So, I know the feeling.

Re: Daycare Moms - what do you do when your child is sick?

Thanks. I can see taking turns staying home, but I feel like my son is ALWAYS sick and it's not like I'll be able to take unlimited days off! I guess this is one area where it is better to have a nanny.

Re: Daycare Moms - what do you do when your child is sick?

The 2 times DS has gotten sick with a fever have fell on weekends, so I was able to be home with him.

When he is ill during the week, I will use my sick time to stay home