As the school year kicks off, many parents find themselves wandering the aisles of their favorite stores in search of essential supplies for their little scholars. Mechanical pencils? Absolutely! Washable markers? Sounds good! Classic Elmer’s glue? Well, let’s toss that in the cart, even if it won’t be used in our home. While summer with the kids is undeniably enjoyable, come August, I’m ready to reclaim my sanity and the part of my brain that has been on hold for two months due to my children’s relentless demands for attention. That is, until the dreaded sick day arrives.
The reality is that my children’s elementary school—and every other elementary school around—is essentially a “Germfest Academy.” Sure, educators assure us that children are diligent about washing their hands and covering their coughs, but we all know the truth. Kids are little germ factories. And whether I like it or not, the unfortunate truth is that germs from one child will inevitably transfer to mine—no amount of hand sanitizer can stop it.
To brace for that unavoidable call from the school nurse, I’ve put together a list of the top three illnesses my little ones are likely to catch from their peers this school year. And don’t worry, we’ll gladly return the favor once we’re through with them.
1. The “Loose Stool” Epidemic
This begins with a watery bowel movement—similar to urine but with an odor that is far more offensive. It soon spirals into a relentless cycle of gastrointestinal chaos that transforms your home into a scene reminiscent of a comedic toilet-themed Groundhog Day: Vomiting, diarrhea, a sip of Gatorade, simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea, and dry heaves. Fortunately, this delightful experience is one that everyone will endure except for Mom. She’ll definitely feel queasy while cleaning up, but that hardly counts.
2. The Persistent Cough
This nearly symptomless condition is like a death knell for perfect attendance. My child had a mild cold a few weeks back, but now a pesky post-nasal drip has taken hold of their throat, leading to an incessant cough that seems to last an eternity. The kid can be bouncing off the walls, appearing perfectly fine, yet I can’t send him to school because I know you’d give me that look (as I would you) when he starts coughing all over your child’s favorite backpack.
3. The Eye of Pink
Think your household is too clean to fall victim to pink eye? That’s quite optimistic. Pink eye has a way of creeping into all our lives. It lurks in the tiny “sleep” crust in the corner of your child’s eye—wiped away with your bare finger. It’s on the classroom desk you casually touched before adjusting your contact lens. It’s even on the pillowcase you laid your head on while comforting your little one. It’s always there, lurking and waiting to strike.
But don’t despair, fellow moms! While these unavoidable sick days may disrupt your routine, create mountains of laundry, and leave you looking like you haven’t brushed your hair since the last celebrity scandal, there is still a silver lining. Sick days are our time to shine. We become the experts in all things comforting. From extra cuddles to endless episodes of favorite shows, nobody nurses a child back to health quite like their mother.
As you prepare for the school year, make sure you have a solid plan in place for those sick days. If you’re interested in learning more about family planning and home insemination, check out this resource for helpful information! You can also explore handy kits from this authority. And for anyone contemplating fertility treatments, this is an excellent resource you won’t want to miss.
In summary, while sick days are part and parcel of the school experience, they also offer unique moments for care and connection between mother and child.
Keyphrase: Sick days in school
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]