I want to preface this by saying that I understand the concept of single parenting better than anyone can imagine and that I understand that I it's difficult to find a solution if your child is truly sick. I am not, by any means, trying to go after them or make their life harder by criticizing. This goes out to the parents who HAVE the ability to do something but don't.
It is ironic to me, in this day and age, that people are so blasé about sending their kids to school sick. I'm not talking about the common cold and sniffles. In my humble opinion, it's actually good for most kids to be around the common cold and build their immune system on something manageable. My problem lies with the parents who send their kids to school after throwing up or having strep throat or having the flu. Here's why....
Teachers are already big bullseyes for illnesses. Their immune systems have to be on par with medical staff at doctor's offices (in my opinion). They already have to miss classes for their learning conferences and other such required things. When you add in a child throwing up a foot and a half from your desk, you're basically screwed for immunity. The reality of it is that you are infecting your child's teacher, almost certainly, and then complaining that you're dealing with substitute teachers.
Let's also include the other students in this as well as bus drivers, office staff, parent volunteers and whoever else happens to be there. You're, essentially, causing your child to be patient zero because you're too lazy to keep them home. Look, I know you have a lot to accomplish and you want to save your sick days from work for yourself but when you decided to have a child, you agreed to put them first. Sending them to school when they threw up 12 hours ago and can barely eat is NOT putting them first. It's putting your work project first.
I am the first to say that working from home would be an ideal job because of instances just like this. I understand that there are parents that don't get sick days. With that being said, it's unfair to punish the mass majority because you don't have that option. Build your support system because you're going to need it. Here are a few Heather pointers, as well....
Do NOT send your child to school if they've thrown up in the past 24 hours. I don't care if it's been 21 hours and they "seem okay." Guess what? The energy it takes to get ready for school and go to school may reignite that illness. Sick children need REST! Don't make excuses for how it was a fluke. Maybe it was, but don't risk everyone else's health for a possibility.
If your child has a rampant history of strep throat and he comes to you with a sore throat and can't swallow, do NOT send him to school. Take him to the doctor. Not only are there serious repercussions for untreated strep but there are also serious repercussions for the other people around him. He WILL pass it on and you WILL likely get it back.
If your child has a severe double ear infection, do NOT send them to school while they're still hurting. No, the ear infection isn't contagious but the virus that caused the cold that caused the ear infection is. The fact is, a sick child needs REST!
I don't care how much energy they seem to have at home. Your sick child needs to stay at home. Energy is relative and school takes up a lot of it. You're actually hurting them worse to send them to school while their immune system is already fighting off other things.
and finally....
If your child is complaining of an upset stomach or diarrhea and you KNOW that it's true, don't say, "Let's wait it out" and send them. Here's the problem. You KNOW when your child is sick. You can tell the difference between a faker and a serious complaint. Every time you doubt them on it and send them, you put everyone at risk. You are a carrier for stomach bugs and can pass them on before you ever vomit. Just food for thought.
In short, I guess what I'm saying is that you don't need to treat the world like your petri dish. Maybe some of these flu outbreaks wouldn't happen if more people had respect for those around them. I understand that jobs are a real pain for letting you have time off for your kids but find it. You're the parent. It's your job.
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