Not my finest parenting moment….

October 22, 2014 By Cassandra
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I did something today that I’m not proud of.

Something I said I would never do.

I put my work ahead of my children and I’m so angry with myself.

Basically, I took a day off work earlier in the week because Master Frugal had that tummy bug that’s been doing the rounds. No problem there as my boss is really understanding about things like this.

Fast forward to today, I’m back at work and he’s back at school. I’m sitting at my desk when I notice my phone flashing up telling me that the school are calling.

I answer the phone and the receptionist tells me that she has Master Frugal at reception saying he has a poorly tummy again and that he’s a little teary.

I ask to speak to him and like I always do, I ask him how bad it feels out of ten.

His answer is seven.

What do I do?

I don’t tell the school I’ll be there as soon as I can to get him.

I tell him that I love him and to go back to class to see how he goes and to call me if he gets to an eight.

Then I go back to work feeling like the worst parent ever.

He was OK and he is feeling lots better now.

But that’s not the point, is it?

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Tina · 545 weeks ago

Very difficult situation, Jobs are so precious now, and Children are up one minute, and down the next, and vice versa. Don't beat yourself up about it.

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michelletwinmum 63p · 545 weeks ago

Oh bless you, it is the worst situation, I used to hate that guilt. You did the best you could when it was diffcult, don't beat yourself up Cass. Mich x

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Liz Burton · 545 weeks ago

Oh love, he's fine though isn't he? I mean really? If he was really ill you'd have gone straight to him wouldn't you. It's difficult to know whether they're feeling really bad or just a bit meh. I know I've had the same in the mornings before school, and it's a tough call between letting her play me so she can have a day off, and working out if she's really sick.

Parenting huh? Toughest job ever. x

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bavariansojourn 78p · 545 weeks ago

We all do things like that from time to time. The fact that this particular situation is bothering you shows what a good parent you are, don't worry x

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@spicers1976 · 545 weeks ago

We have all done things like that in the past, don't beat yourself up about it. It's hard juggling everything all the time.

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Emma · 545 weeks ago

ack that's nothing, I'm the mum that ignored a call from nursery thinking it can wait half hour as I was teaching and mid observation from the deputy head. She was in the back of an ambulance because she was having a bad asthma attack. Yup shit parent award went to me! Being a working parent is bloody tough.

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Older Single Mum · 545 weeks ago

Oh I'm sorry you feel so shit but I think you made a good call - 7/10 was their call and you said to call you back if was an 8/10 which it never turned out to be. Surely, as a parent we don't feel that brilliant ourselves on a good day?

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Katy Hill · 545 weeks ago

Sometimes I feel like schools are a bit quick to call. He was fine, and they would have rung back if he'd been worse. There's no way they'd let you not collect if he'd been REALLY ill. x

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Lulastic · 545 weeks ago

It sounds like he was fine, though Cass? But if your heart told you you didn't act right, it is good to listen to that, eh? Xx

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sriches 41p · 545 weeks ago

Not at all! I had the same thing the other day - L always plays the tummy ache card if she is about to do something she doesn't want to. I did go and pick her up and missed parents evening in the process... oddly enough she was fine when we got home! Gah! :( xx

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romanianmuminlondon 38p · 545 weeks ago

I know. I done it this week. I was so exhausted after two weeks of cold, fevers and coughs I sent my eldest to school although I knew her cold wasn't entirely finished....She is fine She had a great week so far despite still continuing to cough...but looking after one child is easier. We are not bad mums. We are just trying to do our best don't we?

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Carolin 81p · 545 weeks ago

Don't beat yourself up, it actually sounds like you judged the situation correctly. Your heart might tell you you'v done the wrong thing, but it seems your gut instinct was right x

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pinkoddysblog 54p · 545 weeks ago

I think sometimes they need to learn to get on with it though don't they. When they are working they will need to take as little time off as possible. At least he wasn't sick or anything - now that's when they really make you feel bad.

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Steph @MisplacedBrit · 544 weeks ago

Tough call!! What number is THE number. When is it time to rush over and get them, and when can they get through the last 1 1/2 hours, when it's going to take you 30 mins to get there anyway?

It's one thing calling from the school, what about in the mornings when you see they're tired, and they'd definitely rather stay at home but it's a sore throat? Mr M would be bed ridden... I'd be at work anyway... How is the situation being judged for Miss Six?