Remote work with a sick kid at home is impossible

JayRegular

1d ago1 min read

Took today off but wife was already out of PTO so I said I'd watch him. Thought he could watch some movies and I'd knock out some emails. Wrong. Need a pencil, my ear hurts, bored of that show, hungry again, need to go to the bathroom... I'm stuck in back to back meetings and can't get anything done. My boss keeps asking for updates on the project due Friday. This is so frustrating. How do you guys manage when your kid is sick and you both have work? Do you just take the L and not accomplish anything or is there some magic trick I'm missing?

7 comments218 views

Comments(7)

DDerekNew Dad40m ago

Remote work with a sick kid is literally impossible. You can't actually work and also be a good caregiver at the same time. The guilt is real but you made the right call taking the day off. Your kid needed you.

LLucas M.New Dadjust now

The tablet thing won't work anyway when they're actually sick. They need you checking on them. You did the right thing.

CChristopherNew Dad1d ago

I did this once. Told myself he could watch a movie and I'd just knock out some emails. Spent the whole day running back to check on him. Got nothing done. Now I just accept that when a kid is sick, work isn't happening.

AAdam J.Regular1d ago

This is when you realize remote work and sick kids are oil and water. I've found it's way better to just be present instead of trying to juggle both, your sanity will thank you.

JJerome S.Regular1d ago

Movies only work for so long when they feel terrible. My advice is just accept you're taking an L on work and focus on the kid. The emails can wait.

DDerek M.Regular1d ago

Yeah that's the real test right there. When they're actually sick they need you, not Netflix. I've learned to just accept nothing's getting done and lower my work expectations that day.

JJustinNew Dad14h ago

This is one of those things where co-parenting gets tricky because someone has to stay home and it's usually on you. I've had to tap out of work meetings mid-way through because my ex couldn't cover and my kid wasn't doing well.