Child-Care Dilemmas

Written by Amy Hammond Hagberg

This article is courtesy of ParentLife.

Managing child care as a working parent is hard enough, but getting to work when those arrangements fall through is another story altogether.

Make a Plan

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What do you do if your child is sick, school is closed, or your child-care provider is unavailable? Do not wait until you have an emergency to come up with a contingency plan. Make a list of options.
• Family first. See if a grandparent or other family member can fill in. Arrange this option in advance so you do not have to beg at the last minute.
• Ask friends to help. It is likely one of your friends or neighbors stays home with their kids during the day and would be happy to help out.
• Corporate child care. When you start a new job or first go back to work, check your employee handbook to see if there are any pre-negotiated child-care options. If there is nothing there, ask your supervisor.
• Work from home. Today’s mobile society has created greater flexibility in the workplace. Ask your employer if it would be possible to telecommute from home in an emergency.
• Find a back-up day-care center. Check and see what options you have in your community for contingency care — especially ones that will take sick kids. Check your local yellow pages, make some phone calls, and ask friends and family for suggestions.
• Bring your child to work. If your child is not ill, see if you can bring him to the office with you if you cannot take the day off. Babies sleep much of the time, and little ones can be kept busy coloring and watching movies if necessary.
• Take the day off. Many employees have “personal days” as part of their vacation package. If all other options fall through, take the day off.

Top Priority
There is no perfect solution for every family, but never forget that your child should be your first priority, not an inconvenience. When it all comes down to it, you should always love your child more than your work and always be there for him when he needs you.”

Amy Hammond Hagberg is a freelance editor, writer, and the author of four books, including 100 Answers to 100 Questions Before You Say “I Do.”  She lives with her husband and two teenagers in Buffalo, Minnesota. More information can be found at www.amyhagberg.com.