sooo frustrated

Hi everyone,

I went back to work from maternity leave for 3 days per week on 30 July, and so far I have only been to work for 3.5 days as I have to keep taking carers' leave because Chompy keeps catching bugs from childcare.

I know it's only likely to be like this until he develops some immunity but does anyone know how long it's likely to last?

My work is pretty understanding at the moment but I'm sure their patience will wear thin eventually. Is it illegal to discriminate against someone taking carers' leave? Does anyone know what the basic entitlement is?

I'm starting to think that maybe the centre I'm sending him to isn't cleaned often enough. Does that sound unreasonable? I know babies getting sick early on in childcare is fairly common but to catch something pretty much every time he goes in there seems excessive to me. Should I be looking around for another centre?

I'm so frustrated because I was really looking forward to going back to work and I need the mental and social stimulation. My husband isn't really in a position to help out either as he started a new job pretty much at the same time as I went back to work.

Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
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Hi mama,

Usually you can pretty much expect a little one to be sick on and off for about their first year of child care, more often the younger they are.

More often than not the centre is quite clean - its just a matter of all the little ones sharing all their "germs".

When i did FDC I was the one who was sick constantly - from the kids, and believe me my home was exceptionally clean!

It will settle down, you have that to look forward to :)

It really depends on your contract - if you have come back part time and not "permanent part time" they can tell you that its not working out. Is your HR approachable so that you can find out more?

I went through this with DS1 and found it lasted about 4 or 5 months then he never, ever got sick (although he was bf so that would have helped his immunity). So it might be that you are nearly at the end of this bad run.

One thing that can really help with the spread of infections in a centre is to have one of those hand wash solutions at the front desk (you know the ones which you use without needing water?) and ask that all parents, kids and staff use it before entering and leaving the centre. Maybe you could suggest that to your centre.

I hope that things do improve for you. Try not to worry too much about what will happen down the track. I have spent so much time worrying about what will happen if I run out of leave, or work get upset etc but this hasn't happened yet. Just go with it for now. You are lucky that work has been understanding and I am sure they will continue to be that way. Most bosses know what it's like to have babies and children so are happy to make allowances.

Hi,
0 to 2 year olds wll be sick off and on for the first 2 years.

Cathie

Hi. I'm sorry, I've got no real advice for you, just wanted to send some :hug: :hug: your way. My Natty just started CC a few weeks ago and we've all just been very sick with colds! I agree, it's not really about how clean the centre is, just that when kids get together the result is a sharing of germs, as other PPs have said.
I really hope Chompy gets better soon, and that the illnesses settle down. And that you can get back into your 'me' time at work again soon.

Hi,
I have to agree with the others. My DS is 8mths and has been in daycare since the 3rd July 3 days a week so a few weeks longer than Chompy and for the first 3weeks not a sign of any illness , but then it started runny nose, a bit chesty and now he has a cough and very wheezy. He has always been a fantastic sleeper at night and since getting this cough (have to say the cough is the worst as it disrupts him so much) he has hardly slept. It is the time of the year for all the bugs to come out and mixed with spending time with other children it is one of those things that has to run it's course.
I am very lucky in the fact that my CC hasn't refused to take DS they understand and I understand that he will get bugs (meaning colds and coughs) and he loves going so much he is still very happy in himself his face lights up when he sees his carers and he loves playing and watching the big girls and boys run around!
I just keep telling myself that it is a such a short time and that in the long run he will be better picking them up now and building his immunity up.
I hope it eases for you shortly.
Hansie