Working parents often find themselves in a quandary when their toddlers or their caretakers fall ill. If the kids are cared by a nursery or at a child-minder’s premises, they have to remain at home for fear of spreading the disease to other kids. If the caretaker at home is sick, then there won’t be any one to take care of the kids. In these cases either of the parents has to remain at home or find another caretaker for the time-being. This process could become expensive and time consuming.
However, parents will do well if they plan some back-up options well in advance taking into consideration such unforeseen contingencies. Let’s discuss some such options, which could be of value to the working parents.
While appointing a caretaker for the kids, find out if s/he has a back-up care in case of an emergency. Many agencies and professional caretakers have their own network or arrangements for back-up care. If not, parents can themselves try to locate an alternative. It is important to meet the alternative in advance so that the parents can verify if s/he is suitable to look after their kids.
Parents can also seek the help of any of their trusting relatives. It is a great blessing to have such relatives, and no adjustment is too much if you can enlist their help to look after your sick kid. The same could be done with a trusting friend or neighbor. If your nanny is sick, you can make some arrangement with them to take your kids under the care of their nanny. You can reciprocate the same when their nanny falls sick or by offering them something in return.
If you make inquiries, you may be able to locate agencies that specialize in taking care of sick children. Or, members of your religions community, such as vicar, could help you find an alternative. However, verify the antecedents of any alternative before you entrust your child in her/his care. You can also check with your local Children’s Information Services.
Another better option for the parents is to let either of them stay with the child, if they can afford it. Parents can stay by the kid on alternate days by taking casual leave. Although companies provide leave to look after dependents, these are usually unpaid leaves. Reserve some of your en-cashable leaves for such emergencies. Making arrangement with the company to work from home is also another alternative.
Posted on May 14th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Baby, Child Care, Child Diseases, Toddler
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