I was definitely one of those single parents who tried to save a buck or two in day care costs when I was home sick. Why send the child to day care and pay all that money when I was home and could look after them? Add to that the fact that just getting up and getting everyone ready for day care seemed daunting on a day when I was really sick and it often seemed like the best idea. Alas, it didn’t always turn out that way since there were times when I was too ill to really look after them well, and I could have really used the day of rest that would have resulted from sending them to day care!
As single parents, we can pretty used to being both stoic and frugal. We may be looking for ways to cut costs and expenses and save a penny in our sleep! I know that I was also hesitant to ask for too much help—not wanting to over-request or put too much of a burden on those in my support circle. When I look back, however, I wish I would have asked for help more often—particularly when I was sick or exhausted and could have really needed the extra help.
Consider thinking of your sick days as days to really rest and recuperate. Unless your child is ill too, it might be better to send him to day care as usual. Even if the child is sick, it makes sense to ask for a friend or family member to come in and help out with the both of you under the weather. I know that it might be hard to find someone who is willing to come into a sick house, but asking for whatever help can be shared might make recovery time shorter. Even having someone bring you a pot of soup or run to the grocery store for you and your family can help you focus on getting well instead of those tiresome details that might make your illness linger or worsen.
Also: No Sick Days for the Single Parent