I am a mom of a cf child who works full time and would like to talk to other working moms. I have always wanted to be a stay at home mom, but have to work due to benefits. Thankfully I enjoy my job and have a very flexible one, but feel very guilty that I have to put my child in day care. I also find it hard to juggle my days and feel bad when I have to start my child's treatments very early in the morning. I would like to hear how other mom's deal with this...thanks!!!! <img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
working mom of a cf child
- Thread starter anonymous
- Start date
I worked the first year and a half after our girl with CF was born. I had to stay home because she was so sick all of the time. Don't feel guilty, you have to do what you have to do. Doing treatments early in the morning is better than having a sick kid. Just think of all of the pain/sickness that you are preventing by getting him/her to do her treatments. A lot of the time I let little things go around the house so that the treatments and meds get done. As your child gets older they will be very helpful. Although doing the Vest is still hard to get Rachel to do.
The only reason that I can stay home is that Rachel can get a medical card from the State of Iowa. If you can stay at home it is worth it. But you also need to remember that if you have a flexible job it may be worth staying at. I am sure that there is no way that I could get another job now because no one would hire me. If you have a good employer stick with them. Most employers do not understand CF and do not want someone around that could be gone several weeks out of the year. Sometimes it is nice to have work to "get away to."
I feel overwhemed a lot and I stay home now. It doesn't ever go away working or not, it is just part of being a Mom. Society puts a lot of stress on Moms and adding on CF is a whole other weight of stress. My house is a pit but I do my best. No one is superMOM. Hang in there.
The only reason that I can stay home is that Rachel can get a medical card from the State of Iowa. If you can stay at home it is worth it. But you also need to remember that if you have a flexible job it may be worth staying at. I am sure that there is no way that I could get another job now because no one would hire me. If you have a good employer stick with them. Most employers do not understand CF and do not want someone around that could be gone several weeks out of the year. Sometimes it is nice to have work to "get away to."
I feel overwhemed a lot and I stay home now. It doesn't ever go away working or not, it is just part of being a Mom. Society puts a lot of stress on Moms and adding on CF is a whole other weight of stress. My house is a pit but I do my best. No one is superMOM. Hang in there.
I am a working mom of a 2 year old with CF. He was just diagnosed last year this time and I have always worked to pay the bills. Even though he has a medical card from the state, I still need to earn something so we can stay in our home. I have been able to work out a part-time arrangement which is really ideal. Sometimes it is nice to get away. My son does not seem to care what time it is when we do his therapy. The nights are crazy as I don't get home until 6ish but we work it out. Sometimes I wish I could stay home. Don't we all wish for what we don't have. I think it is good to not have CF take over your life. My goal is to make sure my sons life is not about CF so he is treated no differently. If he did not have CF, I would work so why should I stay home now. I understand the issue with Daycare and your child getting sick probably more but you can't have him live in a bubble. I find my son gets more sick from just going to the grocery store. Anyway, hope this helps. Don't feel guilty. We all have to do what is right for our families.
sallybyrnes
New member
<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">Hello working mums
My name is Sally and I am a mature age student doing a diploma in childrens services. I am currently reasearching childhood illnesses and have chosen to do CF. I do not know a lot about the disease yet, but I need to relate the effects of CF to a child who attend Day care. What if any are the play limits of children with CF in a day care environment.
Is there any treatment that caregivers would need to apply to kids with CF? Does medication play a big part in treatment?
Day care is a big day for any child, how does your child cope, are they extremly tired, dioes the illness stop them from participating in anyway?
I would really appreciate any information you could give me.
I live in Australia and came across this site, and would love to hear from mothers with real life experience in dealing with the issues of children with cf in daycare.
Thankyou Sally
My name is Sally and I am a mature age student doing a diploma in childrens services. I am currently reasearching childhood illnesses and have chosen to do CF. I do not know a lot about the disease yet, but I need to relate the effects of CF to a child who attend Day care. What if any are the play limits of children with CF in a day care environment.
Is there any treatment that caregivers would need to apply to kids with CF? Does medication play a big part in treatment?
Day care is a big day for any child, how does your child cope, are they extremly tired, dioes the illness stop them from participating in anyway?
I would really appreciate any information you could give me.
I live in Australia and came across this site, and would love to hear from mothers with real life experience in dealing with the issues of children with cf in daycare.
Thankyou Sally
enchantedpixie
New member
Hi<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
I have a 2 yr old daughter, Kaelie with CF. I also work full time and she attends daycare. I'd love to talk to anyone on this forum who would like to chat (whether the Australian student or any of the moms!)
I can be reached by emailing: sreill@sypmatico.ca
To the original poster, wow! I hear ya girl! If I hadn't of known better, I thought I had started the forum myself<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
Sincerely,
Shandy
I have a 2 yr old daughter, Kaelie with CF. I also work full time and she attends daycare. I'd love to talk to anyone on this forum who would like to chat (whether the Australian student or any of the moms!)
I can be reached by emailing: sreill@sypmatico.ca
To the original poster, wow! I hear ya girl! If I hadn't of known better, I thought I had started the forum myself<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
Sincerely,
Shandy
Hey, Hi, I too have a child of five yrs, with CF, I also have a son of age four without. I'm a single parent and work out of the house full time and man somedays are just "this can't be my life" type of thing. Don't get me wrong I adore my children and had planned to be a single mom, I had the bussiness, the house, the money..... then when my daughter was born WOW!!!!! big shock. I had to give the bussiness up and move closer to family only to find out, they weren't much help... well and the list goes on. The thing I find the hardest with the two kids is my daughter being in SK, she is around colds and flues. When the other children get a cold, five days max. My daughter gets a cold it's for weeks with I'm guessing five trips to the doctors and just when she is getting better.. the other kids in her class start again. It's endless, but the worst part if you can believe their is one, my son gets sick or let's say has an eye infection, I'm so busy TREATING her, that I totally forget about his meds or cough syrup or eye treatments and then I feel like a terrible parent. Day care, and or school is ineveratible( spelling) it has made my daughter strong, confident and very independent. With a serious illness, those are strong and great qualities to possess, so I'm very proud of my kids, it is tough but we got to hang in there I guess, it's hard I know first hand. take care
Hi working mom,
I have three girls two of which have CF, one is 17 a senior and getting ready to graduate. Another is 5. It is very hard and stressful these days. I was watching the Notebook movie the other day. I hope everyone has had a chance to watch this it is a very good movie. I wish things were more simple as in years past. Although technology does help it also hinders in some ways. Aynway I work full time and my girls are all very busy in sports and other things. It is very hectic around our house. I think that we need to thank God for our blessings and make the best of what we are given and do our best with everything. Good luck to all of you!
I have three girls two of which have CF, one is 17 a senior and getting ready to graduate. Another is 5. It is very hard and stressful these days. I was watching the Notebook movie the other day. I hope everyone has had a chance to watch this it is a very good movie. I wish things were more simple as in years past. Although technology does help it also hinders in some ways. Aynway I work full time and my girls are all very busy in sports and other things. It is very hectic around our house. I think that we need to thank God for our blessings and make the best of what we are given and do our best with everything. Good luck to all of you!
Emily65Roses
New member
Amy, why feel bad?? If you go into daycare, you meet kids your own age, and socialize just like EVERY OTHER NORMAL CHILD on the planet. I loved going into daycare and nursery school and public schools like everyone else.
Emily65Roses
New member
I was in daycare and nursery school and public schools and didn't culture pseudomonas regularly until I was 17. First time I was ever on IV antibiotics I was 16 for MRSA. Granted, my case isn't everyone's...
But doesn't it make more sense to let a kid live like any "normal" child and have maybe a little less time... than to hide them at home and never let them out to give them a few extra years? What's the point if all that extra time you're given is spent in a box? I'd much prefer have a few less years with a life I like that was as "normal" as possible... than a longer life that's spent in isolation.
<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
But doesn't it make more sense to let a kid live like any "normal" child and have maybe a little less time... than to hide them at home and never let them out to give them a few extra years? What's the point if all that extra time you're given is spent in a box? I'd much prefer have a few less years with a life I like that was as "normal" as possible... than a longer life that's spent in isolation.
<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
I have to agree, to a certain extent, with Amy. Personally, I think ALL small children regardless of cf or no cf are better off NOT attending daycare. An infant or toddler does not need full time socialization with other children. And, for many, the health consequences are devastating. Especially a child with a chronic illness be it something reversible like asthma or progressive like cf. However, I do NOT think those of us who work should feel guilty about it. Let's face it, there are times that we don't have a choice for whatever reason. And, of course there are those who need the career for their "mental break" from cf or just their own well being.
However, in my opinion, in a perfect world, young children would not have to go to daycare. And, Emily, to answer your question on socialization, I agree they need socialization. However, infants and toddlers can get it through play groups, scheduled activities (like tumbling, etc), play dates, siblings, and simply going to parks. Children 3 or older can also get it from preschool which is for a shorter period of time (2-3 hrs) where they are less likely to be exposed to as many illnesses for a few reasons. First off, sick children are more likely to come to daycare than preschool because the parents have to work, plus, daycares are *sometimes* larger, and the kids are there for longer.
However, in my opinion, in a perfect world, young children would not have to go to daycare. And, Emily, to answer your question on socialization, I agree they need socialization. However, infants and toddlers can get it through play groups, scheduled activities (like tumbling, etc), play dates, siblings, and simply going to parks. Children 3 or older can also get it from preschool which is for a shorter period of time (2-3 hrs) where they are less likely to be exposed to as many illnesses for a few reasons. First off, sick children are more likely to come to daycare than preschool because the parents have to work, plus, daycares are *sometimes* larger, and the kids are there for longer.
I think some of you are missing the point. I am fortunate that I have a husband, that he makes a good salary, that he has good insurance coverage, and that I don't have to work. I do thank God for all of this everyday. And I also realize that it can all change in a minute.
Unfortunately, some people are not in this position. Some do not have the "choice" not to work. They must work to provide for their families, to provide insurance coverage, to make sure that they get by.
I think these women are very strong people, whether they know it or not. They deserve support, not scrutiny.
Maria (mother of three daughters, the youngest Samantha w/cf)
Unfortunately, some people are not in this position. Some do not have the "choice" not to work. They must work to provide for their families, to provide insurance coverage, to make sure that they get by.
I think these women are very strong people, whether they know it or not. They deserve support, not scrutiny.
Maria (mother of three daughters, the youngest Samantha w/cf)
Maria, I posted prior to you. I'm sorry, my keyboard locked up and I couldn't finish my post. I am married but have to work for health benefits for my 3 children. If I had my choice, I would not work because I think that's best for the children. But, I agree, as a working mother, we should not be made to feel guilty for our decision to work (whether because we have to or choose to). I guess my ramblings were about my own personal feelings. I think it's less difficult to work now that my children are older (5 and older) and 2 of the 5 are in school full time (dd starts Kindergarten next year). The first few years of my two youngest children's lives were rough because they were constantly sick and I have no doubt daycare made it MUCH worse. Youngest ds started daycare at 5 months and was relatively healthy at that time. We ended up dropping him out at 8 months because he was sooo sick but he never fully rebounded and we had to put him back into daycare at 16 months, right before dd was born. That time, we chose a small in home daycare which helped but he was still sick constantly, as was dd when she started daycare at 3 m. It is better now that he's older but he's still not as healthy as I think he would have been had he not attended daycare. DD is much better but her disease seems to be milder than ds's. But, as you say, we do what we have to.
Obviously Amy does not have children so she can't speak to the struggle of supporting a family these days. When she does, I will listen to her opinion. I work because I have too. I am lucky because my mother watches my kids (1 with CF, 1 without). If I had to put them in daycare I would. My CF child gets more sick from the colds and germs his older brother brings home from school. To be honest, if I had the opinion about germs in daycare then I would have to homeschool my kids as well. Yes, I would love to stay home with my kids but it is not an option and you are narrow minded in thinking that there is "always a way". We were looking for support from other working moms. If that does not apply to you, I would mind your own business. I didn't want a moral lesson here.
CgNBgEqualsCgNLg
New member
wow you guys...is everybody PMSing? wow...you dont have to say it so meanly!!!! do it to me and then Amy! god! LIGHTEN UP!!!
Amy,
How dare you say that me working makes me a bad mother and my son with CF gets no less care then if I was to stay home. People like you are so narrow minded and infruriate me. Working makes me who I am. I work outside the home, take care of 2 boys (1 with CF) and also work as a homeroom mom. I also spend every evening, doing homework, having sit down dinners, spending 1 on 1 time with my kids and still manage to do baths, have dinner together and read to my kids every night. Don't tell me what I can and can't do.
How dare you say that me working makes me a bad mother and my son with CF gets no less care then if I was to stay home. People like you are so narrow minded and infruriate me. Working makes me who I am. I work outside the home, take care of 2 boys (1 with CF) and also work as a homeroom mom. I also spend every evening, doing homework, having sit down dinners, spending 1 on 1 time with my kids and still manage to do baths, have dinner together and read to my kids every night. Don't tell me what I can and can't do.
CgNBgEqualsCgNLg
New member
she didnt mean it like that...im serious people...lighten up...see? arguments happen and i have nothing to do with them so stop blaming me