7 Secrets to Running Your Business With a Sick Kid at Home

Posted on 08. Aug, 2007 by Elizabeth Potts Weinstein in Blog

Grace, my 2-year old, came down with a 102 degree fever last night, so she could not go to preschool today.  But I did not have a nervous breakdown (unlike me last year) and was able to keep my business afloat.  What are my secrets? 

  1. Don’t Procrastinate (too much).  My eZine was set to go to my web designer today (for html formatting), but since I started working on it on Monday, it was mostly done.  I was able to complete the eZine in about 30 minutes during Grace’s nap.  But if I had started today, I would be working on it right now (at 9:30 PM), freaking out.
  2. Share That You Are a Mom.  I had to reschedule a meeting with a colleague today — who totally understood.  I don’t reschedule people unless I have a sick kid, and since my people (clients, contact) all know that I am a , they are not taken aback.  Anyone who does not want to be bothered by someone with a kid does not do business with me anyway, since I am upfront (and good riddance). 
  3. Be Flexible.  I had planned to upload and format a new podcast page today, but it is just getting uploaded now, and may not be formatted until tomorrow.  That means the design for a related postcard, and the press releases, will also be delayed.  But I’m okay with that, since it is not the end of the world that things are one or two days behind.
  4. Use Plan B (or C).  I didn’t need to do it this time, but I have used a nanny service to find last-minute childcare for my sick daughter.  Costs and arm and a leg ($17/hr plus referral fee of 25%) but worth it so I don’t have to cancel a client meeting. 
  5. Use Your Systems.  My virtual assistant (who is doing her job from vacation this week) answers my email and voicemail, so that gets done even if I am out of the loop.  Many of my email, contact us forms, and other website stuff have automatic response systems to catch the rest. 
  6. Build a Flex Day Into Your Plan.  I plan that I will spend one day with Gracie home with me, during the work week.  That day is usually Thursday, but if she is home with me Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, then I can send her to school on Thursday, and still get the same work done that week.  Does not work this week, since she’s still running a fever, but came in handy last month. 
  7. Embrace the Chaos.  Grace, who felt pretty good even though she had a fever, loved hanging out with mommy today.  We went to the mall, did crafts, and cuddled on the sofa.  Instead of worrying, I made a conscious effort to enjoy the time we had together today. 

What do you do when you kid is home sick?  Leave a comment and share your suggestions.

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  • I have a 5 year old who is pestering for a job - or a business - she is so KEEN to earn money. (I don't want to discourage her by telling her to wait until she a teen). I loved your lens - but I was hoping for a little more for the younger crowd. I have her involved in my online business - but I think she needs something more concrete to understand how business works! Thanks for the insights on teens!
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