As a stay-at-home mom caring for a family of five, including three young children aged 7, 5, and 1.5, I recognize that being able to stay home when my kids are sick is a privilege that not everyone has. However, it also means I have firsthand experience dealing with the chaos of illness in the family. Working parents often face tough decisions when their children fall ill, whether it’s choosing to go to work while sick or leaving their kids in the care of others. I understand the challenges you face.
While I’m not a germaphobe, I do consider myself germ-conscious. Growing up as the daughter of a microbiologist and studying biology myself, I’ve always been fascinated by microorganisms and their behaviors. Despite my passion for this field, I am also a protective mother.
So let’s be clear: Please do not send your sick child to school!
With the end of the holiday season, many families are dealing with the aftermath of illnesses, including flu and other viruses. Our family has faced a relentless barrage of illnesses over the past month, battling Adenovirus and both types of Influenza. When the doctor confirmed that my daughter was now dealing with type B, I was in disbelief.
Like many of you, I’m eager for the cold weather to pass and for normalcy to return. It’s natural to want to resume activities, especially when kids are restless at home. However, it’s crucial to prioritize health and ensure that sick children remain at home until they are fully recovered. The general guideline is to keep them home until they have been fever-free and symptom-free for 24 hours.
Sickness happens, regardless of how careful we are or how much hand sanitizer we use. Germs are everywhere, and while some are beneficial, others can be harmful. It’s a fact of life that we must accept.
This month has been particularly tough for our family. My husband travels frequently for work, making it challenging to manage sick kids alone. It’s exhausting to keep track of medication schedules and care for children with high fevers. As parents, our first lesson is that our children’s needs come before our own, even when we are feeling unwell.
In moments like these, I find myself searching for remedies and scouring the internet for advice, often feeling overwhelmed by worry. Each time I hear news about the flu’s severity, it sends a chill down my spine. We’ve had our share of urgent trips to clinics, fearing that our little ones might need more than just basic care due to worsening symptoms.
It’s important to remember the emotional toll that illness takes on families. Watching your child suffer is heart-wrenching. Thus, when you or your child are feeling unwell, please think about the greater community and stay home. Just as “only you can prevent forest fires” is a memorable line, remember that only you can help prevent the spread of illnesses.
We’ve all had moments where we inadvertently spread germs. I’ve had my kids get sick on playgrounds; it’s a reality we face. But when you recognize that your child is not feeling well, it’s time to leave. Allowing them to continue playing only increases the risk for others.
There will be times when you have to do what’s necessary, like running errands with sick kids. But ask yourself: at what point does this become a selfish act? If your child is clearly unwell, reconsider whether it’s essential to take them to crowded places. I know it’s difficult to deny a child the fun they look forward to, but their health and the health of others must come first.
For example, while ice cream might seem comforting for a feverish child, consider opting for a drive-thru instead of exposing them to others. That little voice in your head that questions whether your child is well enough to go out? Listen to it.
If there’s any doubt about your child’s health and their potential to spread illness, please stay home. This applies not just to school and daycare but also to social activities and outings. The risk of passing on an illness to another family, particularly one with an infant or an immuno-compromised member, is not worth it.
It’s vital to adhere to school and daycare guidelines about illness, which generally follow the rule of being symptom- and fever-free for 24 hours. A virus that seems mild to an older child can be serious for younger ones, leading to complications like pneumonia.
In summary, as we navigate the challenges of illness within our families, let’s commit to being responsible and considerate of others. Keeping sick children at home not only aids their recovery but protects the wider community.
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