Sick Leave to look after children

GUILT THE LEADING SYMPTOM OF COUGHS AND COLDS

Do you feel guilty about taking time off work when you're sick? Spare a thought for working parents who are forced to suffer feelings of guilt if they take time off to care for their sick children.

According to research commissioned by Vicks, 34 percent of working parents experience feelings of guilt when they take time off work to look after their sick children and a further 16 percent report it is actually frowned upon by their employer.

The biggest surprise and a significant sign of the times is that ten percent of parents confess they're actually too scared to ask for time off given the current economic climate.

With 30 percent of families suffering four or more colds a year, there is little parents can do but take it on the chin. Two in three parents however, admit to sending their symptomatic kids to school, increasing the likelihood of spreading illnesses to others and potentially landing other parents in the same position they face.

Well known mother of three and family icon, Symantha Perkins, is more than experienced at juggling career and motherhood and commented on the findings, "No one likes to admit that they send their sick child to school but it seems more parents are being left with no other option."

Adding to parents stress is how best to treat their child's symptoms; 56 percent of parents admit they worry about what they can give their child to effectively ease their symptoms. Most choose to treat sore throats with medication, despite 44 percent admitting to feeling uncertain about making the best choice when selecting it. An additional 47 percent of parents turn to honey to bring natural soothing relief.

"It is extremely stressful caring for a sick child particularly if you don't feel confident in your treatment choices or are unable to take the time away from work to adequately care for them," added Symantha.

With over 80 percent of Australian parents experiencing a sense of helplessness at being unable to relieve their child's symptoms and 55 percent revealing it makes them more stressed in general, it is little wonder that parents aren't taking more sick leave themselves.

The research coincides with the launch of Vicks Cough Syrup and Lozenges Honey Flavour, which combines the power of effective medicine with the goodness of natural honey.