Why do I feel guilty about taking a day off to look after my daughter?

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

My six yeasr old has been ill all night, my wife has meeting all day, so I get to have a day off to look after her, leaving my class to a supply treacher. (Shudder)
So... why do I feel guilty? 

[Steve J]

Maybe because you have a professional attitude to your work? Anyway, family comes first in my book.

[nikharwood]

Maybe because you have a professional attitude to your work? Anyway, family comes first in my book.

Too right 

There's a little phrase that I [try to] keep in my mind when work threatens to take over [completely]:

No-one ever said on their death-bed, "I wish I'd spent more time at work."

[Hertsblue]

I think those of us who went through the education system are programmed to feel guilt at taking time off - however irrational or illogical it may be

[Leon]

So... why do I feel guilty? 

Because you're painting figures while she's asleep on the sofa...?!   

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Leon - god I wish, once she's up, even lyeing on the sofa, being miserable and giving orders, that's it. she's up! 
About to go and varnish some tanks, they'll be dry in seconds in this weather thou...

[NTM]

Leon - god I wish, once she's up, even lyeing on the sofa, being miserable and giving orders, that's it. she's up! 

Thought it was just mine that was like that (although the toddler is worse for barking out orders)

My two have both been ill recently meaning I've had to take 4 days off work this month to look after them so know where you are coming from.

[Leon]

Leon - god I wish, once she's up, even lyeing on the sofa, being miserable and giving orders, that's it. she's up! 

[Maenoferren]

Sounds like teacher guilt to me- been there done that worried about the supply teacher.  Plus there is the guilt that men shouldnt be off work looking after kids too luckily now that I am out of the classroom on seco ndment I am more flexible and owed about 3 days TOIL not to mention holidays I missed so I can take time off if needs be. As Nik Said nobody ever wished they sopent more time at work

[nikharwood]

And here's a stunning quote from the man who [literally] wrote the book on emotional intelligence [Daniel Goleman]:

There is no such thing as work - life balance; there is only balance.

He's right y'know. Of course. 

[lentulus]

So... why do I feel guilty? 

Because you have been programmed by consumer society to feel dis-empowered as a parent so they can focus child support marketing on women.   Fight back! 

[lentulus]

And don't forget, before you know it she may have to take a day off to look after you.

My babies have both moved on with their lives, and are away at uni.  I miss 'em. 

[FierceKitty]

You're probaby worried that you're neglecting a room full of children to look after one. We teachers are prone to these moral maelstroms.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

WE'RE BOTH BACK AT SCHOOL TODAY! I was just finally chilled out! 

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

And the little one is ill, asleep on my bed, I'm spiriting next to her with t'ipad, and strangely this ine feeling less guilt, maybe because I'd left planning this morning. Ho hum... Daddy day care!