Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

I have unlimited sick days - if you're sick, you're sick. I've never abused that - I've probably been out sick a few times in the last few years and didn't stay home once during my pg even though I had the worst sciatica.
Anyway, I was supposed to be at the office today but Ryan is sick - wondering how other companies usually handle this sort of thing?

ETS: I've been working from home since we got up so I'm not going to use a day.

Message edited 8/13/2008 12:50:42 PM.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

We get 2 emergency care days a year for situations like this. Other than that, it's vacation time. (I have unlimited sick time as well.) I'm sure your company has a well-established policy on this, you should check into it.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

my days are labeled PTO so they don't distinguish sick vs. personal vs. vacation.

I'd either check your employee handbook or ask HR.

Some companies define "sick" as taking care of yourself or family member.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

I have sick days. I can use them for myself or to take care of my children. After I use them up then it is vacation time.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

I'm just curious what others do. Our firm is so small, and I'm actually the longest full time employee there other then my boss (Chairman) so no one would ever question me if I didn't use a day - which I doubt I will. I've been online working from home all day anyone so I count that as semi-working.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

I have to use my vacation time when Lucas is sick.

Message edited 3/13/2009 9:54:35 PM.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

I do not have any time to use. I do not get vacation or sick time but if I did, I would use sick time not vacation.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

I only get 5 sick days--which were used up by February between both DS and I being sick. So now, when either he or I am sick and I have to stay home, it's vacation time. And that went pretty quickly too!

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

I work for a small firm and have been here for 8 years. If I have to go to the doctor (like when I was pregnant) or take Athan to the doctor and then I return to work, I don't take any time (sick time) and just eat lunch in (which I usually do anyway). If I am home because Athan is sick, I take a sick day. ONce those are gone, we get 5 per year, I can put it in as vacation time.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

Usually, we will take them to my ILs so I don't have to use my vacation or personal days. DH is self-employed, so if he doesn't have court sometimes he'll stay home. My job is pretty flexible, so I can just work from home if I need to.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

I know I was told when I start working here that you're not supposed to use sick days if your child is sick, but I didn't have a child then. I'll probably take sick time anyway if I think it's necessary.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

i use a sick day and tell them my dc is sick.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

my company doesn't distinguish between sick and personal time. I only use my time if my child is sick and I don't have someone to care for him. OR if one of them is REALLY sick and needs to visit a doctor.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

We have 3 sickness in the family days. I used those all up when DD was sick with Kawasaki so the rest of the time I needed to put in for I marked as vacation.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

We have personal, sick & vacation time. However it's all lumped in as personal time off.

I usually use a sick day.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

I have to use sick/vacation every time DD is sick. I don't have any family nearby who could come over to take care of her.

Re: Working moms - when DC is sick do you use a vacation day?

i usually alternate with DH and i use my sick time first. Unfortunetely my kids were sick frequently this winter and i used all my days...hoping i dont get sick for the rest of the year