There’s nothing quite like the chaos of a normal school morning—except maybe trying to work from home while looking after a poorly child. If you’ve ever had to juggle Zoom calls with checking temperatures, wiping noses, and trying to comfort a clingy little one, you’ll know exactly how overwhelming it can be.
As a work-from-home parent, I’ve had my fair share of days when I’ve just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. But over time, I’ve picked up a few ways to make those days slightly more manageable—and less stressful for everyone involved.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Sick days don’t mean quiet days
When you hear “sick day,” it’s easy to imagine a child snoozing on the sofa under a cosy blanket. Sometimes that happens—but other times, you’ve got a tired and cranky kid who still wants attention, snacks, and entertainment. Trying to meet a deadline while someone’s asking you questions every two minutes? Not ideal.
That’s why, if you’re working from home regularly, it’s worth having a bit of a back-up plan for days when school or nursery is off the cards. For me, that means a basket of low-effort toys and books ready to go, a few pre-downloaded films or shows, and meals that don’t need thinking about.
When you need help quickly
One of the hardest things is figuring out whether it’s “just a cold” or something that needs a bit more attention. Heading to the GP surgery isn’t always practical—especially if you’ve got other kids at home or your partner’s working out of the house.
That’s when having access to an online doctor service makes a real difference. Being able to speak to someone from home, get reassurance or a prescription if needed, and avoid the hassle of dragging an unwell child out into the world? Total game changer. It’s fast, convenient, and honestly takes a lot of pressure off on those already stressful days.
Being kind to yourself matters too
Let’s be honest—when you’re trying to be a good parent and a reliable employee at the same time, something’s got to give. And it’s usually you. You end up skipping lunch, ignoring your own headache, and feeling guilty that you’re not doing enough on either front.
But here’s the thing: it’s okay to lower the bar a bit. Some days, getting through with everyone fed and reasonably content is more than enough. If your child ends up watching a bit more TV than usual, or your inbox isn’t cleared until 9pm, that’s alright. These days are temporary—and you’re doing your best.
Small changes that help in the long run
What’s helped me most is prepping for the unpredictable. Keeping paracetamol and thermometers in easy reach, knowing who to call if symptoms get worse, and having snacks and easy meals on hand. I’ve also started giving my work a bit of a heads-up when I can, so they know if my replies are slower or I need to move a call.
And honestly, just talking to other parents helps. We’re all muddling through, and sharing ideas—or just having a bit of a moan—can make you feel so much less alone.
Because at the end of the day, balancing work and parenting is no small feat. But with a bit of planning, a dose of grace, and some support where it counts, we can all make it through the sick days a little bit easier.
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