https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:47:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2262846 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 16:08:16 +0000 AmandaB8 2262846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Usually DH stays home, because he has more PTO than I do. However, I can come in late and not use a PTO day. A lot of times, I'll stay home until 10 or so, while DH goes into work and gets his stuff done for the day, and then we switch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2262786 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 15:04:45 +0000 catlady 2262786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We try to split them evenly as much as possible, which is possible since our work situations are different. I have a fixed number of days off available, so we have to be aware of that, but when I'm off, I'm off. DH literally has no policy on days off and can take time off whenever, but he's expected to keep up with work and will often have to work nights and weekends. One thing we often do is both stay home with LO, and then we will both be able to do a half day's work from home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2262777 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 14:56:25 +0000 Chillybear 2262777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Some days like this week, my MIL will watch her at our house. If we know the night before that she will need to stay home hubs will stay home, because he gets more vacation days than I do. If we discover it in the morning then I have to stay home because hubs is out of the house by 5:45 and we dont wake up until 6:30 and he's already at work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2262749 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 14:40:01 +0000 Alivoo01 2262749@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do because my work is flexible and I can work from home. DH can't. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2262729 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 14:33:28 +0000 psw27 2262729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH has more flexibility and can work from home but... he also has a way more intense job and is the main provider for our family. I usually do it, but I'm also more of the "caretaker" and stay calm under pressure a bit more so if the LO is sick, I probably handle it better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2262713 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 14:27:12 +0000 snowjewelz 2262713@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Totally depends... DH's schedule is more flexible than me so it usually would be him, but then he would have periods of time where he's very busy or has way more commitments than me, so then I'd just take off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2262692 Thu, 13 Aug 2015 14:19:08 +0000 DillonLion 2262692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH has way more PTO than I do and the ability to work from home, so he almost always stays home with her on sick days/days when the school is closed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258986 Sun, 09 Aug 2015 08:31:41 +0000 yoursilverlining 2258986@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There is no default person, it really depends on the day and what we each have going on. DH usually teaches either morning or afternoon blocks of time, so often we split the day. I can easily work from home unless I have like a big presentation or something so it's also easy for me to just WFH on lo's sick days. We really try not to prioritize one career over another. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258834 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 21:18:57 +0000 lovehoneybee 2258834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is one of the few perks of working stacked shifts. D can watch him most of the day and go into work after I get home (I try to leave early). My ILs have also watched him when he's had to be out several days in a row. And my mom lives with us now. </p> <p>But D has way more time saved up then I do, so in general we try to work it so that he takes his. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258833 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 21:13:24 +0000 Rocker2014 2258833@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We alternate days, and also take into account what we each have going on that day. Sometimes we split says if neither of us can miss a full day. What I wouldn't give for a local family member or babysitter that is home during the day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258831 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 21:04:12 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 2258831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It all depends on the day. Sometimes, my mom can take her, which is awesome. DH is home Fridays and has a pretty flexible Monday schedule, so if it's one of those days, he usually stays home. If he really has to be IN the office, I'll take a sick day. But with only 5 of those in a year, I try not to use them if someone else is available. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258691 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 13:13:24 +0000 matador84 2258691@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We try and alternate whoever got the last illness or at the very least alternate days if they have to be out more than 1 day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258685 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 13:11:48 +0000 ALV91711 2258685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We try to take turns but I take more of the turns. We go by who has a heavier workload or a deadline coming up. If we think it will be two plus days we will alternate days at home. </p> <p>I'm set up now so I could do a majority of my work from home, so that will make it a bit easier in the future when DS is sick. Since my manager is a father he understands having to stay home or sometimes leave early and as long as it doesn't put me behind in my work it is ok. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258675 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 12:55:54 +0000 LilSprinkles 2258675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It would be DH. He has more leave and flexibility. If he has to be at work or is deployed, DS will go to our backup babysitter. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258663 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 12:24:37 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2258663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thankfully we both have pretty flexible jobs so we really just play it by ear. On a couple occasions, we actually both stayed home because it was good to have both of us around to help with nose cleaning (yay feisty toddlers) and things like that. I started a new job recently and of course LO got sick the same week, so my husband was able to stay home with her so I didn't have to call out on my first week of a new job. I like to be home because I'm more observant when it comes to symptoms, etc., but if I can't be, he has plenty of flexibility. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258656 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 11:57:04 +0000 babycanuck 2258656@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>it will be me - DH gets no sick days, and I can work from home anytime </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258628 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 10:27:47 +0000 pregnantbee 2258628@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Rock, paper, scissors. :)</p> <p>Seriously, though, depends if we see it coming and then whoever has the lighter day stays home. Sometimes we split days depending on the situation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258623 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 10:07:22 +0000 plantains 2258623@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Unless I'm at a conference or travelling for business I do it because DH is a teacher and it is easier for me to WFH than it is for him to get a sub. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258622 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 10:04:28 +0000 DesertDreams88 2258622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are both teachers so it will depend on what kind of day we have planned (meetings, evaluations, tests, etc) but also whoever still has sick days left.... we accrue 10 a year, but I'll have used up all of mine during FMLA and he will use his up by taking 2 weeks off after the birth. Otherwise we get docked about $100 of pay. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258583 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 08:30:13 +0000 Mrs Hedgehog 2258583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's usually me since its easier for me to get away than it is for him. I also have separate sick/vacation/holiday/and comp time (accrued from overtime since I work for the city) and he only has one lump PTO. Technically I have more time to spare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258564 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 07:56:49 +0000 mrsjyw 2258564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Unless I have a client mtg or conference hat can't be rescheduled, I can work from home and my mom is our primary care. Dh has the ability to change his schedule most days but it's just easier for me since I can wfh and a large part of his job is boss/client facing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258562 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 07:51:46 +0000 TiredmommaMD 2258562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Neither of us have flexible jobs which is why we switched from daycare to nanny. That way nanny can just care for sick kiddo. The only time we call out sick is if she is sick enough to need a doctor appointment. In that case it's almost always DH who takes her. We've also split the days in the past where I will work the morning and leave at noon so DH can work at least a half day as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258536 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 06:53:25 +0000 MrsKoala 2258536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We figure it out according to who has the most work due/meetings coming up etc. we also try to alternate days if we can. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258535 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 06:50:12 +0000 yellowbird 2258535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We usually take turns unless someone has a reason they really need to be at work. My dh can work from home so he usually does that if its not too serious. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258532 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 06:37:14 +0000 artsyfartsy 2258532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My job is typically more flexible than DH's. I usually am the one to take off work if T is sick. I have a typical 9-5 office job and an understanding boss with a child of his own. However, DH has a set amount of work volume to do each day, so he can get all of this volume done quickly if he needs to leave early and not have it counted against him. So that's helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258525 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 06:01:51 +0000 mamabolt 2258525@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can do some work from home so unless I have a meeting in office I am the one to stay home. DH will try and go in a little late so I can get my most urgent work out of the way first thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258512 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 05:34:07 +0000 Charm54 2258512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First plan is to call my mom and pray she can take her. If not, then I take the day off though I hate to do it. I have sick days and a pretty accommodating work environment - DH doesn't have that same flexibility. If I couldn't for some reason, Dh would stay home and work from home, though it's definitely not ideal </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258474 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 01:45:29 +0000 MsMini 2258474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If it is last minute he takes the day off, if we "see it coming" I do (I work in NICU and it is hard to fill in for shifts last minute so we try not to put my work in a bad position) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258464 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 01:04:29 +0000 sunny 2258464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We split the last sick day, but usually I have the more flexible schedule so I take the day off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-both-work-how-do-you-decide-who-takes-the-day-off-to-watch-sick-kids#post-2258452 Sat, 08 Aug 2015 00:18:22 +0000 renee 2258452@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't gone back to work yet, but I'll definitely be the one to take time off. My Dh is a doctor, I'm a teacher. I have a much more flexible schedule! </p>