My Brother Is Gone....What Do I Do About Time Off?

[LaLa1923]

I lost my brother this morning to a senseless tragedy. I informed my parents that I will be closed tomorrow.

How long should I stay closed?

How do you handle an unexpected death?


I'm in so much pain I don't know what to do........

[Sugar Magnolia]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please try to take a week off, if possible. Peace be with you.

[littlemissmuffet]

Oh dear... I am so very sorry for your loss. lovethis :hug:

I personally would close for the week and let the parents know that they should also be prepared to have back up care for the following week as well and you will keep them in the loop. I allot myself 5 paid personal days each year - and I pay a portion of my daily fee back to parents if I run out of days. In a case like this, we have savings that would allow me to close for considerable period of time without being financially affected, but I realize that isn't the case for everyone.

That said, I would absolutely close for the week and see how you're feeling over the weekend.

Again, I am incredibly sorry for your loss. My family's thoughts are with you and yours. lovethis

[Michael]

So sorry for your loss. I think you should take as much time as you need. The first few days are the hardest and you will go through several different emotional stages. Time heals all things. Our prayers are with you and your brother.

[MissAnn]

I am so sorry. My father in law just passed away from cancer. It was expected and I let my parents know I would take 2 days off. My husband took a week off. I lost my brother several years ago when he was electrocuted at work. I was in terrible shape......I say take a minimum of 1 week off. Your parents should understand. Again.....I am so sorry.

[Kabob]

I'm so sorry for your loss!

I would do whatever works for you and your family. If you need to (and can) stay closed for a week, a month, or more, do it. If you think you won't be in a state of mind to provide care, then stay closed and take the time to grieve.

I also lost my brother unexpectedly last year as well and what helped me was to take a week to grieve and then I went back to work so that I didn't have so much time to stew in my thoughts. I also set aside an hour or two for "me time" to grieve. It helped. Eventually, it got better...but it took time. Lots of time.

If you need time, take it. Everyone grieves differently and at their own pace. Feel free to message me if you want to talk. :hug:

[Blackcat31]

Oh my goodness! I am so sorry for you loss!

Depending on how you personally process this tragedy, will dictate how long you need to remain closed. In my honest opinion that is only something you can answer.

Take whatever time you feel is necessary. People grieve in their own ways and on their own schedules. There is no right or wrong time line.

I am sure your clients will all understand. Those that don't aren't worth keeping.

I know it helps to stay busy for some but re-open only when you feel you are able to physically and emotionally manage the kids you care for. YOU need to be your priority right now.

I know if it were me, I wouldn't feel obligated to go re-open until I was ready.

I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

:hug: :hug:

[Heidi]

Wow, Lala! I am so sorry to hear about your loss!

I would plan on taking the whole week off. After the initial shock of all this, you will need time to deal with your own emotions, then deal with the rituals. After that, you'll be drained and need a few more days just to recover.

Still, by next week, although you'll still be devastated, you may need the comfort of having to work. The kids will give you something else to focus on.

We lost my niece (my sister's child) a few years ago, and it was very difficult. I believe my sister took 2 weeks off, but then found she needed work to help her start to recover.


I do agree with BC, that only you can know for sure. I said a week, because I was afraid you might think "they will be upset if I take 3 or 4 days", but if you need more time, take it.

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

I am sorry for your loss. Take Care.

[childcaremom]

So sorry for your loss. I would suggest at least a week, leaving yourself the option for more time if you need it. Thinking of you and your family.

[Scout]

Oh, I am so very sorry to read this. It is so hard to lose people we love, but, a sibling would be especially hard. I agree with others that you need to take as much time as you can afford and need to. Don't let your dcf's dictate your grieving. God bless your family.:hug:

[Sunshine74]

I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to say, I am so sorry for your loss. :hug:

[blandino]

I am so so sorry for your loss.

I think closing for a week is a very good idea. That way you have a somewhat decent amount of time to clear your head, and not worry about rushing back to work.

[nannyde]

La la you have my number. Call me if you need me.

[juliebug]

So sorry for your loss you really need to see how you take it and go from there i would tell parents off this week then see what to do the. :hug: