‘My partner refused to stay off work to help with the kids while I’m sick – I’m fed up’

The husband branded her ‘selfish’ for asking him to stay at home and help with the kids while she was struck down with flu – people online are seething on her behalf

At this time of year with the cold weather and people getting back to work it is all too common for many of us to come down with flu symptoms, so many people might have to take time off work in order to get back to health.

But one woman was fuming with her husband when he refused to extend his holiday time to care for his kids when his wife was really sick, and the move has really angered her.

The mum had her symptoms for over a week but things got worse when her husband returned to work, as she felt he should stay at home to help look after the family.

Taking to the ‘Am I Being Unreasonable?’ forum on Mumsnet, the woman explained: “The day he returned to work I was absolutely ill, could hardly move, couldn’t talk without coughing so much I was nearly sick and my temperature was sky high.

“I asked him to stay off and look after the kids but he wouldn’t. He doesn’t work in a particularly important job and they sell themselves as a flexible and family friendly company.”

However, the husband maintained his stance and went off to work any way, despite his wife being ill and leaving her with very few options.

She said: “My only other option was to ask my mother, who is also a carer for my father. I seriously wanted to avoid this in case either of them catch it from us. She came and got them happily.

“When he got home yesterday and I stewed and stewed and eventually lost it with him (as best I could between coughs).

“Apparently I am unreasonable expecting him to look after his own kids when I am unable.”

In response, many have been supportive of the woman as one person wrote: “Your mistake was to hitch up with him. My husband shared the time off with me when ours had to be looked after.”

While another stated: “I’d be furious. All employers have to give emergency dependants leave.”

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