Sick kids
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Anonymous
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I have no problems taking care of sick kids, it happens. I have both MB and DB staying home today and working from home.
I just wish that someone would have given me a "heads up" as to what was going on today. Is it unreasonable? I really hope that I don't get sick too. MB and DB keep.telling me that they want to save their PTO |
Anonymous
It was pretty inconsiderate of them to not give you a heads up that they were both sick. At the same time, they probably wanted you to come in so that their children don't get sick. They might get sick anyways, living under the same roof. I've had bosses who did this to me and I've told them because of my immune system, I cannot risk getting sick. A cold or a stomach bug, no big deal. But something like the flu- and I'm not working. |
Anonymous
| OP here, I can't believe that I forgot to mention that the kids are sick and NOT MB and DB. Shows where my brain is today. |
Anonymous
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I don't understand why this is an issue for you. I've come in and found out the kids were sick. It is part of the job. You never know hat you are going to be dealing with. I came in one morning and found out the kids had lice. Not a big deal. Pain in the butt, but it was something that had to be taken care of.
You say you have no problems with sick kids, but you do. If you work with children, illness is part of the job. You will build up quite the immune system. If you can't deal with sick kids or the possibility of getting sick yourself, move on and find a job elsewhere. |
Anonymous
I understood what you meant. Just try and have a relaxing day. Watch a movie, read books, etc. If the parents have cold care preventative, such as tea or emergency (sp?), vitamins, etc. take some. |
Anonymous
| 8:47, I agree with you. The only reason why I wish they would have given me the heads up is because it would have helped me plan the day, gather some vitamins, etc. |
Anonymous
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You don't mind caring for sick kids, yet you wish the parents would have told you. Would you have worn a hazmat suit instead of your regular clothes? Has it occurred to you that maybe the kids woke up sick?
What the hell would you have done with advance notice? |
Anonymous
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A hazmat suit, really? Of course not.
I would have packed my "sick day" activity bag, extra movies, books, arts and crafts activities. I would have also brought my lunch, as MB let's me pick it up while I am out with the kids. |
Anonymous
| Wait, if MB and DB are both working from home today why did they need you to come in? I don't understand parents who have no interest in taking care of their sick children. And then when you get sick, will they be angry it you need a sick day? |
Anonymous
| 9:33, I always come in no matter the circumstance (I've even taken care of their house while they were on vacation). They only want me to take a sick day if I am very sick (which has never made any sense to me, I don't want to get them sick), but I think I need to sit down with them and change my contract to include PTO. I get 2 weeks vacation, but if I don't come in, I don't get paid. If they cancel, I get 8 hours paid. |
Anonymous
I think your getting some harsh responses here OP (shocking!  ). While they do have a point that it's part of the job, you seem to know that. I understand wanting a heads up of what your walking in to though. Most families I worked for never thought of this either. The family I currently work for does and I really appreciate it. A lot of days I plan activities and outings ahead of time and, like you would appreciate some notice (when possible of course) so I can alter those plans to accommodate a sick child. It's also helpful so I can take some airborne ahead of time!
I think it's just one of those things that will be an annoyance and hopefully not happen too often! You could ask the parents to give you a heads up but I would explain why (wanting to bring activities and lunch with you) so they don't take it that you just don't want to care for sick children. Good luck! |
Anonymous
They are WORKING from home. |
Anonymous
| OP your reasons for wanting a heads up are completely understandable. I also put a lot of work into planning our days and appreciate the heads up my bosses give me if plans change. Just let your bosses know what you told us, but try to be understanding that if the kids woke up sick they may not have had a moment to stop and text you nor was that their first priority. |
Anonymous
Yes but generally, and I am sure most nannies have experienced this, "working from home" is rarely exclusively that, especially if a parent usually goes into an office. I have been in the same situation and it is incredibly frustrating. I could understand if you had an important meeting or a deadline or something else equally important and unable to make up, but really, if you have two kids that are really sick-and you are HOME with them-you don't want to be taking care of them yourself? Why again do people have children if they only want to deal with the fun stuff? I know, I know, though, nanny should just be grateful she has a job and deal with it, that is why she is paid for after all...sad. |
Anonymous
| Just tell them you'd like a heads up next time. They're not mind readers, and quite frankly, I'm reading this post from your perspective and still don't get what your problem is. How on earth are they supposed to know? |