Burnout: Causes, Symptoms and Support for Parents with Sick Children

In the modern working world, most people, whether as employees, freelancers or entrepreneurs, are heavily involved in their work. This high level of work-related stress can lead to serious problems such as burnout or overwork.

What is burnout?

Burnout is a psychological syndrome characterized by persistent stress and emotional exhaustion. Typical symptoms include a feeling of exhaustion, negative thoughts, persistent tiredness and depression.

Support in caring for sick children

Parents are often faced with the challenge of caring for a sick child, especially when the child is showing symptoms such as cough, runny nose or fever. In such cases, it is important to know that parents have legal rights to care for their children.

Medical certificate for child sickness benefit

If a child is sick, parents are entitled to a „medical certificate for the receipt of child sickness benefit“ (form 21). This certificate can be easily requested online without having to visit a doctor in person. By completing an online questionnaire, parents receive the necessary sickness certificate by email.

This document allows the sick child to be cared for at home for a maximum of 7 days, with the possibility of an extension for a further 7 days if the illness recurs.

Applying for child sickness benefit

To apply for child sickness benefit, parents must submit the medical certificate they received to their statutory health insurance provider. This certificate confirms the child’s illness and the need for care. Parents have the option of either submitting a direct application to the health insurance provider or submitting the certificate. In some cases, it is also possible to apply using an online form.

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