My 4 year old woke up with a fever this morning and my wife has back to back meetings all day. I have a client presentation at 2pm that I cant reschedule. Do I try to find childcare last minute or do I just tell my boss and ask to move it? This happens like once a month and I feel like I'm always putting out fires. How do other dads manage this without constantly looking unreliable at work?
Fever at 4 is the worst because they feel crappy but still have energy sometimes. Lots of fluids, easy meals, and don't stress about screen time today. Just survive it.
Is there anyone you can call as backup? Grandparent, friend, neighbor? Even an hour of help in the middle of the day makes a huge difference when you're solo parenting a sick kid.
The key is communicating early with your boss about what's going on. I've found most managers are cool with it as long as you give them a heads up. Hope the kiddo bounces back quick.
Tough spot. I had to leave work early last month when my oldest got sick and my wife had a client meeting she couldn't move. Just called my boss and explained the situation. Most employers understand this stuff happens.
Take the day off if you can swing it with work. A sick kid needs a parent present more than you need to answer emails. Your job will understand or it can wait.
Man this is my exact scenario this week. My advice? Just be upfront with your team that you might not be 100% productive. Most people get it. Kid's health comes first.
Those days are rough when both parents are already stretched thin. I'd suggest just accepting that nothing productive happens on sick day duty and just let the day happen. Movies, easy snacks, whatever keeps the peace.
This is my life right now. Fever on a work day is always stressful. I usually try to work from home if I can and just keep an eye on him. Tylenol every 4 hours and lots of fluids. Hope he feels better soon.
Can you work from home at all? That's usually my play when the kids are sick. Keeps them monitored and I can still get some stuff done between checking in on them.
I usually try to front load the important stuff before noon, then let things slide a bit in the afternoon while I'm doing damage control on sick kid duties. Your boss will understand.
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This is where remote work saved me honestly. When my 5 year old got sick last month I just closed my door and managed emails between checking on him. Can't imagine having to take a whole day off.