VAB (care of a sick child)
VAB (Vård av barn – care of a sick child) is one of the most unique and well-known everyday life and the workplace in Sweden. It entails a statutory right for parents to stay home from work to care for a sick child while receiving compensation from the state (via the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, Försäkringskassan).
Parents call this compensation vab-ersättning (or temporary parental benefit). It pays just under 80 percent of your regular income, up to a certain cap.
VAB as a verb: “Att vabba”
The concept has become so deeply ingrained that it has evolved into a verb. In Sweden, it is perfectly natural to send a quick message to your boss or colleagues in the morning saying, “Jag vabbar idag” (I’m taking a VAB day today). You do not need to provide lengthy explanations or feel guilty, because Swedish work culture fully accepts the system.
Typical “VAB habits” and culture
Vabruari: Since winter vomiting bugs, colds, and the flu tend to peak in February, people colloquially call this month Vabruari. This is the time of year when VAB usage reaches its highest level across the country..
.Vobba: is a comibnation of work from home and care for a sick child, (Vård [care] + Jobba [work] = Vobba). This is of course, is depending on what kind of work you have. You cannot claim VAB compensation for the hours you work and receive salary.
Vab – care of a sick child: It extends to loved ones
If a parent absolutely must work, a grandparent, neighbour, or friend can care for the sick child in the parent’s place and have the benefit payment transferred to them.
Nutrition is an important you want to kick bugs out of a sick body. Here is a good recipe for pancake made in muffin tins. And what child doesn’t like pancakes?