Sir, – I am moved to write in response to Claire Micks's article "The parents' dilemma: sick child versus expectant boss" (December 16th).
As a society how have we come to the point where the needs of employers take precedence over those of our small children? How can any woman’s job (or that of her partner’s, as he has equal responsibility here), regardless of how important or well paid, be felt to be more important than the needs of a child?
Like many stay-at-home mothers, I have sacrificed many things to be able to look after my children in their own home, well or sick.
Whatever I may have sacrificed financially or in terms of career I will never regret, as clearly the choice to work provides parents with choices which to me would be unendurable. The idea of dropping a feverish child in the early morning to a creche is unthinkable. How has this become the norm?
Our children are not a nuisance, they are not an inconvenience. The needs of the workplace should not take precedence over theirs. Happy, healthy, well-balanced children are the future of this country. Not multinationals, corporations or employers and not our own fulfilment. – Yours, etc,
JAN DORAN,
Gorey,
Co Wexford.