Create a Sick-Day Plan

1. Alternating the Responsibility - Take turns at calling in and staying home. Fair and simple. Of course, if one of you has a particularly big event at work, ask your partner to take your turn.
2. The Parent with More Flexibility - In our society, we often expect Mom to be the one to stay home from work. But as a BlueSuitMom that usually isn't realistic. Many couples consider issues of flexibility, income, and future promotions. These are sensitive issues that you and your spouse may want to explore.
3. A Trusted Family Member or Friend - Grandma probably adores her grandchildren. Whether she makes the world's best chicken soup or simply opens a can, she or other trusted family members and friends may save the day if both you and your hubby are having a hard time opting out of work. Don't take advantage of this option though. Hopefully, Grandma has her own life, too.
4. Sick-Child Care - Many large day-care centers are offering "sick-child" care in addition to regular day care. This option typically includes nursing care, a comfortable room and bed, and lots of tender, loving care. Most require early registration for this option, so don't wait until sickness hits to arrange for this great backup option. Few babysitters or home day-care centers offer this service unless your doctor writes a note stating that is a noncontagious illness.
5. Taking work home - If you do stay home, ideally you'll pass your meetings and appointments to a trusted colleague. If that's impossible, you may be able to conduct some work or make some phone calls, etc., from home. Try to limit this to the times when your child is sleeping so that you can be fully available to him or her.
6. Find a Family-Friendly Workplace - Currently, some employers object when employees use sick days to stay home to care for a child. Many state legislatures are proposing new laws that would ensure parents have this right. Executive mothers often seek out "family-friendly" companies that do not penalize parents for staying home with sick children. They may even encourage time off to attend a child's special school or sporting event.