Working parents admit to “pulling a sick person” just to care for their poor child

PARENTS have admitted taking time off work to care for their poor child.

The latest findings have revealed that two in five working mothers and fathers have ‘pulled a sick person’ just to care for their sick child.

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A survey of 1,000 working parents with children aged 16 and under found that 57 percent feel guilty about taking time off to care for their little ones when they are sick.

And 81 percent of parents hope employers would consider being more flexible with working arrangements to accommodate sick children.

It turned out that fathers lie to their employers more often about the reason they take a sick day to care for their child than mothers.

Rachel Ramsden, brand manager at Olbas, who commissioned the research, said: “Parents are constantly juggling the demands of work and family life, but when a household is hit with a bug the pressure can feel overwhelming.

“Many parents are forced to take sick days to care for their children, adding stress to already demanding jobs.

“Our research shows how resilient modern parents need to be as so many work full-time while managing the unpredictability of family health.

“These days, having a strong support network – whether it’s grandparents or close friends – can make all the difference when everything starts to feel like too much.”

The survey also found that 72 percent feel they have no choice but to keep going when they are sick.

While parents take an average of three days off every year to care for their sick offspring.

And 39 percent of mothers are more likely to call on grandparents to help with childcare when they get sick, compared to 30 percent of fathers.

It also found that 64 percent claim their own health suffers from having to care for their sick children, while 65 percent claim there is a knock-on effect in their home if one person gets sick.

While 62 percent say their child’s school or daycare center calls them as soon as their children catch a cold.

The first-born child usually turned out to be the first person in a family to become ill after the summer holidays, followed by mother and the second-born child and finally father.

Colds (47 percent), coughs (39 percent) and sore throats (22 percent) were the most common ailments parents suffered from their little ones.

The survey, conducted via OnePoll.com, also found that 23 percent of mothers will continue with normal behavior, while 16 percent of fathers will focus on self-care such as hydration and nutrition.

But 78 percent of parents say it takes them longer to get over an illness if they don’t take the time to rest and recover.

NHS GP Dr Roger Henderson, who works with Olbas, said: “It’s essential to listen to your body and take time off when you feel exhausted, as early signs of illness – such as fatigue, headaches or a sore throat – can easily be overlooked in busy lives.

“Flexible and supportive work environments help individuals, especially parents, balance their responsibilities while maintaining their health.

“Traditionally, older adults and young children have been particularly susceptible to colds and flu, making it even more important for them to prioritize rest and recovery.

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