As the new school year rolls in, like many parents, I found myself wandering the aisles of Target, loading up on back-to-school supplies for my kids. Mechanical pencils? Check! Washable markers? Absolutely! Traditional squeezable glue? Toss it in the cart! Don’t get me wrong, summer with the kids is a blast, but come August, I’m ready to reclaim the part of my brain that’s been on standby all summer due to their constant demands for my attention.
That is, until the dreaded sick day knocks at our door.
Let’s be honest: my kids’ elementary school (and every other elementary school out there) might as well be called “Germ Fest Academy.” Sure, the teachers assure us kids wash their hands and cover their coughs, but we all know the truth—kids are downright gross. And whether I want to admit it or not, the unspoken rule of childhood is that snot from one kid’s nose will inevitably find its way into my child’s mouth, no matter how hard I try to prevent it.
To brace myself for the inevitable call from the school nurse, I’ve compiled a list of the top three germs my little ones are likely to catch from yours this school year. And don’t worry, we’ll happily share the love once we’re done with them.
1. The “Loose Stool” Starter
It begins with a watery poop. You know the one—the kind that sounds like pee but smells way worse? It escalates quickly into a cycle of gastrointestinal chaos that turns your home into a scene from a toilet-themed version of Groundhog Day: Vomit. Diarrhea. Sip of Gatorade. Repeat. Thankfully, this delightful experience seems to spare Mom. Sure, I might gag while cleaning up the aftermath, but that hardly counts, right?
2. The Lingering Cough
This nearly symptomless condition is the bane of perfect attendance records. My kid had a minor cold three weeks ago, but a pesky post-nasal drip has taken hold, keeping him coughing for days. He could be leaping off the couch and seemingly fine, yet I know I can’t send him to school. I can just picture the side-eye from other parents while he’s coughing all over someone’s Paw Patrol backpack.
3. The Eye of Pink
Think your family is too clean to catch pink eye? That’s cute. Pink eye is like a lurking shadow, waiting to strike. It’s in that little bit of “sleep” you wipe from your child’s eye, the desk they touched before you adjusted your contact lenses, and the pillowcase you laid on while comforting your little one. It’s always there, festering, and it’s coming for you.
But don’t worry, mamas! While the inevitable sick days will turn your laundry pile into an overwhelming mountain and leave you looking like you haven’t seen a comb since the last awards show, there’s still reason to celebrate.
Sick days are when we shine. We are the ultimate caregivers, bringing extra snuggles and extra episodes of their favorite shows. No one knows how to nurse a child back to health quite like their mom. And you’ve got that down to an art.
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Sick days may be inevitable, but they also remind us of the special bond we share with our kids. And if you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out our piece on the importance of understanding the process.
Summary
As school begins, parents brace for the inevitable sick days that come with kids returning to class. From loose stools to lingering coughs and the ever-present threat of pink eye, these germs are part of the school year package. But amidst the chaos, sick days offer a chance for nurturing and bonding, reminding us of the vital role we play in our children’s lives.