Anonymous wrote:
I would want to be paid during your leave but I would be open to taking on some alternative duties during that time with the understanding that all additional duties will end when I return to providing childcare during the day. Can you think of some other ways she could be helpful? Perhaps she can take on a household manager role so that you can get a break from the mundane, draining tasks like scheduling appointments and grocery shopping.
This is a great idea.
I think you could also propose reducing hours somewhat in exchange for doing somewhat less desirable things. So, for example, she could come in at 10 instead of 8 (but be paid the same amount she made when she came in at 8 before) but take on the task of shopping and cooking dinner for the family each night.