As the weather gets colder, my toddler seems to have a runny nose, cough, or some other ailment at least every other week. Despite not being in daycare, he’s exposed to plenty of germs through sing-alongs, playgroups, and interactions with other toddlers.

We encourage good hygiene—washing hands before meals and after being outside—by singing his favorite songs while he soaps up. But even with our efforts, it feels like an unwinnable battle against the constant barrage of germs, viruses, and bacteria.

The Sick-Day Dilemma

Thankfully, the nanny we share with another family is seasoned and resilient, having built up immunity to all the bugs the kids bring home. She’s also comfortable caring for sick children, which is a lifesaver.

When a doctor’s visit or a fever is involved, I’m fortunate to work for Cultural Care Au Pair, which offers a generous sick leave policy. I can even work from home occasionally if needed. But not all families have this flexibility.

Many parents face tough choices when their children are sick. Most daycares won’t allow sick kids, and many childcare providers are hesitant to care for them. Compounding the issue, companies often provide only a few sick days—or none at all.

The Broader Impact

A report from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health highlights this challenge:

• 1 in 3 parents worry about losing their jobs or pay when they stay home to care for a sick child.

• 31% say they don’t have enough paid sick days for this purpose.

• 26% report missing three or more workdays in the past year due to a sick child.

With limited backup childcare options, many parents weigh this issue when choosing between daycare or a nanny.

Childcare Options for Sick Days

One advantage of au pairs and live-in nannies is their ability to care for sick children. This flexibility is invaluable, especially for parents like me, whose spouse travels often, leaving the brunt of sick-kid duties on one parent.

In contrast, daycare centers have strict rules about excluding sick children, and family daycare policies vary by provider.

Single parents face an even tougher challenge, often relying on creative solutions like help from grandparents or favors from neighbors.

The Need for Broader Support

As the director of the C.S. Mott National Poll puts it, until there’s a national conversation about supporting workers with the tools to balance productivity and caregiving, parents are left to fend for themselves.