By: Emily Johnson
Updated: Oct. 29, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 29, 2023
The only scenario in which my child is allowed to come home from school—or to stay home at all—is if he’s experiencing vomiting or has a fever. Once he’s home, his choices are limited: either he can lounge on the couch and zone out to cartoons, or he can go straight to bed for some sleep. That’s the extent of it.
What he won’t be receiving is a “get well” gift that I picked up at a dollar store, saved especially for this moment. There will be no arts and crafts projects, no special character-themed teas, or hot chocolate served in novelty mugs. I won’t be crafting cozy hideaways for him to escape to when the couch and bed become tiresome. Forget about scavenger hunts, charades, or any themed mother-son bonding activities. Hair braiding, temporary tattoos, and extravagant bath time adventures? Not happening.
Let’s face it—sick days aren’t a joyous occasion. They shouldn’t be an opportunity for mothers to throw a party. When a child is under the weather, they need rest. They should be eating soup, having their temperature checked, and simply told to relax with some TV or a book if they’re feeling restless. If they’re well enough to cause chaos around the house, then they’re well enough to return to school.
You can bet my children don’t enjoy sick days. My home isn’t a paradise where they can craft finger-paint masterpieces while I don a Mary Poppins costume and sing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Because here’s a reality check: kids don’t need constant entertainment. Being unwell is not a reason for elaborate distractions.
It’s alarming how far things have spiraled out of control; it frustrates me to see parents coddling their children like little divas who require extravagant experiences to feel content. From over-the-top birthday parties that necessitate goodie bags to pointless participation trophies and annual graduation celebrations, this trend fosters a sense of entitlement in kids, devoid of a solid work ethic or an appreciation for the simple things in life.
You can be sure that no online magazine is going to pressure me into creating a whimsical experience for my sick child. There will be no crafting of decorative paper dolls for the windows, no baking of elaborate “get well” cakes, and definitely no stockpiling of toys or games to placate my child through a common cold.
Instead, I’ll warm up some soup, hand over the TV remote, and return to managing my responsibilities. If my child is sick, he can be sick without the need for all the Pinterest-inspired nonsense.
In the world of parenting resources, Cleveland Clinic offers excellent guidance on health and wellness, while Make a Mom provides insight on home insemination options.
In summary, sick days should be about recovery, not elaborate entertainment. Keeping things simple is key to fostering resilience and understanding in our children.
Keyphrase: “sick child care”
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