Most miss more than two days work a year to care for sick kids

Three quarters of Irish parents say they miss more than two days work each year to care for a sick child.

Nearly half of working parents say they are likely to stay at home if their child is unwell with a cold or flu, and more mums than dads take time off.

78% say their boss is somewhat understanding, as long as missing work for that reason is not a regular occurrence.

However, 22% say missing work to stay home with a sick child is frowned upon by their employer.

A survey by Nurofen for National Baby Day also shows that 55% of parents worry that their colleagues will perceive them as being unreliable or not serious about their jobs if they take time off to look after a child with a cold or flu.