Probably 50/50 sharing the sick days. Really depends on who has unbreakable commitments at work or who may also be feeling unwell also. There are days where we share, or I might take the sick on into my work for an hour or so, then DH picks up to go home.

I did find with childcare only it was easier to work due to the hours. School, kinder and childcare is a nightmare to juggle. Sadly no after school care that is accessible. Waiting till next year when both girls are at school, will then need to have both at Vacation care (which DD2 seems so little for )

wysiwyg: I would be more inclined to go permanent rather than contractor, just for the certainty of pay and knowing leave days are paid for. Even with permanent though, it pays to keep track of actual vs reported income through the year, as bonuses, pay rises and overtime can throw things out. I always overestimate a few grand to cover those.