These decisions are my ultimate weakness!
I'm the type of person that goes to work no matter what, never goes to the doctor (never really sick), etc.
I have a hard time deciding when I need to call the doctor for DS, because I've never been a "doctor person", but of course want to make sure I'm taking him in when he needs to go in.
So he's basically had colds nonstop since starting daycare. I've stayed home 2 days with him about a month ago when he had a really bad cough and seemed miserable. I called the doctor and they said he didn't need to come in for a cold (as I assumed they would).
Today he was miserable with an absolutely terrible cough. Checked his temp...99.5. I plan on staying home at least in the morning to "assess the situation" because if he's anything like today he'll need more attention than daycare can provide. I suppose I'll call the doctor again to see what they say.
But I can't be staying home every other week with the kid (although I wish I could) unless he truly needs it! What is your criteria for calling the doctor and staying home from work? I just wish I was a SAHM and didn't have to worry about this.
Re: Sick baby...Work? Doctor?
Oh, that is, and fortunately I have a boss who understands that. BUT...the second day I stayed home last month, I realized that I probably didn't need to stay home and maybe should have saved that day for another time when he really needed it. I don't know why, but I just have a hard time making these decisions!
I feel for you. I never know when to call the doctor. I say send him to daycare as long as he doesn't have a fever or isn't throwing up. If he's sick enough they will call you & ask you to pick him up.
If you just don't feel right leaving him in daycare than stay home with him. Sometimes a day home with mom can make him feel better anyway.
I plan on using family leave if DS is sick beyond 1 day.
Yes, that is the rule at daycare but he doesnt have a fever! And if I didn't bring him in when he has a cold, then I would never bring him in and have to quit my job. That's just the joys of daycare...those kids built up immunity very fast.
That always makes it harder for me too! The second day I stayed home last month, he had a terrible cough but was as happy as could be! I really felt like I was playing hooky and wished I had gone to work (although I enjoyed the day home with him).
She wasn't asking what her priority should be. She was asking how to best care for and provide for him.