I totally understand: germs are ubiquitous, and if I could, I might consider living in a bubble to avoid them altogether. However, I realize my kids will inevitably encounter a multitude of germs this fall and winter, and yes, they’ll get sick from time to time. I’ve stocked up on tissues and have a bucket ready for those inevitable vomit episodes that seem to sneak up on us every year.
My eldest is in elementary school, bringing home a fresh assortment of viruses almost monthly. These little “gifts” often make their way to his younger brother, who attends a toddler program and is no stranger to his own dose of germs. Thankfully, both kids have resilient immune systems, usually battling off the bugs, or at least recovering quickly.
While I can’t control their exposure to sickness, I’ve shifted my mindset. I used to be that mom who lugged around hand sanitizer and panicked at every cough. Now, I’ve accepted that a wave of viruses will be heading towards my family this season.
However, there is one crucial aspect of germ-sharing that I’d like to address: etiquette among fellow parents. Germs in public spaces like schools are unavoidable, but when we’re visiting each other’s homes, we do have some control over the situation. Since our kids often play closely together, I have a simple and polite request:
Please, just tell me if your child is sick!
No need for a detailed account of their illness—just a heads-up if your child was sick recently, like if little Timmy was throwing up two days ago. He might be fine now, but I want to know if it could affect upcoming plans, like my kid’s birthday party or our long-awaited trip to Disneyland. And if Emma “only has a head cold,” I’d appreciate the heads-up since colds can escalate for my child who has mild asthma.
Let’s be transparent about what’s going on with our kids’ health. A runny nose may not be a big deal, but if something significant is on the horizon, or if my kids have been battling illness for weeks, I might choose to skip the gathering. And if your child has been recently sick—especially with anything like vomiting—even if they seem better, I’m likely to stay away for a while. Trust me, I learned the hard way that those germs linger.
I promise to do the same for you. For instance, my youngest caught a cold just before his birthday party, and even though he was on the mend, I made sure to inform our guests of his condition. One of my friends, in turn, let me know that her son had just come down with a new cold and decided to keep him home. Open communication is key and makes everything easier.
I completely understand that sometimes a child might not seem sick when arriving and then suddenly fall ill. I know this system isn’t foolproof, but my hope is that we can keep each other informed and mindful of each other’s situations, respecting when plans need to be adjusted.
Most of my parenting friends are good about this, but there have been moments when the golden rule of communication was overlooked, leaving me frustrated, especially after a week battling the flu. I think the biggest lapses often come from those without children—or those who had kids so long ago that they forget how easily illnesses spread among little ones.
So let’s not panic excessively about germs. Kids need to encounter various bugs to build their immune systems. Yet, let’s also practice good manners when making plans during the cold and flu season.
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In summary, as we approach the cold and flu season, let’s maintain clear communication about our kids’ health. A little honesty can go a long way in keeping our families healthy and happy while fostering stronger friendships.
Keyphrase: cold and flu season etiquette
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