Juggling Your Job and Your Kids?

If you work outside your home, back-to-school means a new set of worries. What if your child misses the bus, gets sick at school or is ill for days or even weeks?

Between teacher conferences, school plays and endless childhood illnesses, many moms and dads - especially single parents - constantly worry about missing work. If an employer isn't family friendly, things can get sticky.

When should your child stay home?

How do you know when to keep a sick child home? First, assess the situation. If she has an upset stomach, she may feel better once she gets involved in school activities. If she has a full-blown fever, she should be at home.

Keep a child with the following symptoms home:

• Vomiting that lasts more than several hours
• Temperature above 101 F
• Severe cough that isn't improving
• Earache
• Toothache
• Pinkeye
• Severe sore throat
• Persistent stomachache
• Fever with vomiting
• Worsening cold with fever

Home alone?

If your older child is sick, but doesn't need caretaking, should you leave him alone? Consider the following:

• Is he at least 9 years old? Never leave children younger than 8 alone. (For your state's specific age guidelines, contact your local child welfare agency.)
• Can he reach you at work?
• Will he be frightened if left alone?
• Can he solve small problems?
• Can he handle an emergency?
• Can he take his own medication?

If your child stays home alone, establish some ground rules. Tell her not to answer the door. Let her know if she can answer the phone or use the oven. Advise her not to tell anyone she's alone and make sure she knows how to exit quickly in case of a fire. Give her your work phone number and the number of a friend or relative. Make sure she knows how to call emergency services.

Balancing family and work

It's important to let your employer know that when family responsibilities interfere with work, your job will still get done. Offer to take work home, come in on Saturday or work a few early mornings or late nights to make up the work. While away, call in for messages and check your e-mail.

Other options

Working parents can also find assistance outside the home. If your child is already enrolled in day care, check to see if they have a "sick day care" area, in which he or she can be separated from well children and receive special care. Another option is emergency day care, centers that are designed for sick children or children whose regular caregivers are temporarily unavailable. Pre-registering with these centers gives you the peace of mind of knowing that help is available when you need it.

Related Articles How to Beat Workplace Stress How to Find a Good Babysitter The Grandchild-Grandparent Bond

External Sources American Academy of Pediatrics Child Care Aware

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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