In principle...

...I refuse to feel guilty for caring for my child who is feeling poorly.

Gavin was sent home from daycare today with a low-ish fever. His caregiver called me with updates throughout the late morning and early afternoon. For several hours he was right on the verge of the temperature that prompts the official "come get your kid" phone call , so I knew it was coming. Finally at about 3 I got the call. In truth, from the first call, I wanted to go get him because high enough fever or not, I knew he wasn't feeling himself and would be better off at home. Real truth: this morning he felt warm and I took his temperature before even taking him to school. He didn't have a fever at that time, but I know what he usually feels like, and he was warmer than that. I took him to daycare anyway, because despite my lofty principles, I do feel guilty.

• Guilty for letting Gavin down.
• Guilty for putting other kids at risk of getting whatever he has.
• Guilty for staying home on Friday because I felt so awful myself.
• Guilty for setting a bad example for the department I lead.
• Guilty for giving working women a bad reputation.
  
• Guilty for feeling I am only giving half-measures at home and at work.
  
• Guilty for feeling so damned guilty.

Millions of women face what I faced today, and my hats off to them for doing the best they can. I have it untold millions of times better than most, and my harshest critic is likely myself. And if there is a harsher critic out there, please keep your mouth shut. I feel terrible enough as it is!