As a stay-at-home parent managing a family of five, including three little ones aged 7, 5, and 1.5, I understand the challenges of caring for sick children. While I recognize that not everyone has the luxury to stay home when their kids are ill, I’ve gained significant first-hand experience navigating these trying times. For working parents, the dilemma of whether to go to work sick or leave their ailing children in someone else’s care is a tough one. I want to acknowledge that I understand the weight of those decisions.
I’m not a germaphobe, but I consider myself germ-aware. Growing up as the child of a microbiologist, I’ve had countless discussions about bacteria and viruses, and I’ve always been fascinated by how they operate. That passion has only intensified since becoming a mother. And now, I urge you: please keep your sick child at home!
The holiday season may have ended, but it has also ushered in a wave of illnesses. Many families, including mine, have been battling various viruses, including a nasty strain of adenovirus and both types of influenza. We’ve been in quarantine for weeks, and it’s been a challenging experience. We’re otherwise healthy, yet we’ve found ourselves at the mercy of these infections—eager to return to normal life, but also aware that it’s not something to rush.
If your family is experiencing illness, please prioritize recovery. Children should remain at home until they are symptom-free and fever-free for at least 24 hours. Remember, sickness is inevitable; it affects everyone regardless of how vigilant we are about hygiene.
This month has been particularly difficult for us. My husband travels frequently for work, which makes caring for sick kids even tougher. Managing fever medications alone can be a daunting task, especially when temperatures soar and comfort measures become necessary. It’s a steep learning curve in parenthood that no matter how exhausted you feel, your sick child’s needs come first.
Sickness can take a toll on everyone involved, both physically and emotionally. We all dread watching our little ones suffer, and no one wants to feel helpless in those moments. So, let’s be mindful of how our actions can affect others. If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home. Just like the saying goes, “only you can prevent forest fires,” only you can help stop the spread of contagious illnesses.
We’ve all made mistakes in the past, and I’m not here to judge. I know how difficult it can be to deny a child the chance to attend a much-anticipated event. However, the right decision is not always the easiest one. If your child shows signs of illness, it’s time to head home. No one enjoys witnessing a sick child continue to play while obviously unwell.
Sometimes, circumstances force us to venture out, even with sick kids. Whether it’s running essential errands or grabbing groceries, it can feel unavoidable. But we need to ask ourselves, at what point does “doing what we have to” cross into selfish territory?
Consider this when making decisions: Is your child’s enjoyment worth the risk of infecting others? Activities like birthday parties or playdates are optional. If you suspect your child might be contagious, it’s best to keep them at home.
When it comes to schools and daycare, strict sick policies are in place for a reason. A virus that may only seem like a mild cold to adults can pose serious risks to younger children. The impact of illness can be magnified for infants, who can struggle to feed and become irritable due to sickness.
To summarize, the essential rule is this: children should remain home until they have been symptom-free and fever-free for 24 hours. If your child has a fever at 4:30 PM on Sunday, they should not return to school until Tuesday.
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