Every time our child is sick, we argue about who should take leave. What can we do?

Decide the principle while things are calm, not by arguing on the morning the child has a fever. Sit together and agree on a fair system: perhaps taking turns, or going by whose schedule is more flexible that day. Take into account each of your jobs and the effect of taking leave, without assuming it is automatically the mother's task. Have a back-up plan, such as asking grandparents or a trusted babysitter for help. Appreciate whichever of you gives way on a given day. With an agreed system, a child's illness becomes a team matter, not a cause of argument. See communication & emotions.