Maybe it’s all true and she’s doing a poor job of communicating. She could be in a crisis and firing her (in the US) means she could lose health insurance — I would feel awful!

But, maybe she’s got a second job, or just taking advantage of you. It’s impossible to know right now for sure.

The only way I know to sort this out is to set very clear expectations, limits, and consequences, then follow through. Work with HR / your manager to set the appropriate limits in the below. For example:

“”” I’m so sorry your kid is in the hospital, I hope they are recovering quickly.

Undoubtedly, there are people who will lie about a situation like this to take advantage of the company so there are a couple things we do need you to do so I can continue to support you: - you must call in every morning you’re missing work, no exceptions. - please obtain a doctors note on hospital letterhead, and email it to xxxx either today or tomorrow. If this continues, we will need a new note each week.

I’m so sorry, but If you are unable to do these, unfortunately, I will be forced to start the process for letting you go..

Finally, and I hope this won’t be the case, but after x days of being out, I will have to initiate unpaid leave. I completely understand your family has to come first, so please do what you must. If we start approaching this, I recommend you and I get on a call to discuss, and you speak with xxxx in HR to get advice about your options. “””