When my child is feeling under the weather, the only way they’re staying home from school—or skipping it altogether—is if they’re running a fever or have been sick to their stomach. Once they’re home, it’s simple: they can either lounge on the couch and watch TV or head to bed for some much-needed rest. That’s the extent of it.
What’s definitely not happening? They’re not receiving a “feel better” gift I picked up at the dollar store just for this occasion. Forget about arts and crafts or sipping on character-themed teas or hot chocolate. I’m not going to craft elaborate hideaways for them when the couch gets dull. There will be no scavenger hunts or charades or themed afternoons filled with fun. No hair braiding, no temporary tattoos, and certainly no extravagant bath time festivities.
In short, there will be no fun.
When did having a sick child turn into a full-blown event for parents? This isn’t a time to celebrate minor illnesses or find ways to bond creatively. When kids are sick, they should be encouraged to rest, sip on soup, and have their temperature checked. They should be told to relax with a book or some TV if they’re feeling restless. Or better yet, they should hear, “If you can run around and bother me, you’re well enough to go back to school!”
Believe me, my kids don’t enjoy sick days. My home is not some fantasy land where they can create finger-paint masterpieces while I twirl around like Mary Poppins singing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Nope. Kids don’t need constant entertainment. Illness, whether it’s a cold, flu, or stomach bug, shouldn’t be an excuse for elaborate distractions.
Things have spiraled out of control, and it infuriates me to see parents treating their children like spoiled royals who require extravagant experiences to be happy. From the absurd birthday parties with party favors to participation awards and constant photo ops, it all contributes to a generation of entitled kids who lack a solid work ethic or appreciation for the basics. In other words, it breeds little brats.
So no trendy parenting blog is going to pressure me into crafting whimsy for my sick child. I won’t be cutting out paper decorations. I won’t be baking a “get well” cake. And I certainly won’t stockpile toys and games so my child can treat the common cold like a day at an amusement park.
I’ll heat up soup, hand over the remote, and carry on with my day. If my child is sick, they can be sick—without the Pinterest-inspired nonsense that’s supposed to make them feel better. If you’re curious about navigating the journey of parenthood, check out this insightful post on couples’ fertility journeys for intracervical insemination at Make a Mom. For more resources on pregnancy, visit Womens Health for valuable information. If you’re looking to explore self-insemination options, BabyMaker is an authority on the topic.
Summary:
Sick days for my child are about rest, not entertainment. I refuse to indulge in the trend of making these days extravagant. Instead, I’ll provide soup and let them watch TV while I manage my own tasks. Parenting shouldn’t mean turning every situation into a playful event.
Keyphrase: Sick days parenting tips
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