As the school year begins, parents everywhere are preparing for the inevitable challenges that come with it, including the dreaded sick days. Recently, I strolled through the aisles of a local store, gathering essential supplies for my kids. Mechanical pencils? Absolutely! Washable markers? Of course! Traditional glue? It’s not making a reappearance in my home, but let’s toss it in the cart anyway! While summer is a blast, by August, I find myself longing for the mental clarity that comes with the school routine after two months of constant kiddo entertainment.
However, every school year brings the looming threat of illness. Let’s be honest: every elementary school should come with a warning label for germs. Despite teachers’ efforts to encourage hand-washing and sanitizing, we all know kids have a knack for spreading their germs. The cycle of illness is inevitable, and there’s little that can be done to shield your child from the viral buffet that awaits them.
Top Three Ailments to Expect This School Year
In anticipation of the inevitable call from the school nurse, I’ve compiled a list of the top three ailments my kids are likely to bring home this year. Don’t worry, we’ll gladly share the love once we’re done with these germs!
- The “Explosive Diarrhea” Delight
This starts with a watery stool that seems harmless until it spirals into a chaotic series of gastrointestinal mishaps. Your home quickly transforms into a scene reminiscent of a toilet-themed version of Groundhog Day: vomit, diarrhea, a sip of Gatorade, and the cycle begins anew. Thankfully, the only one who seems immune is Mom, who may find herself silently gagging while cleaning up. - The Persistent Cough
This nearly symptomless condition can ruin even the best attendance record. Your child might have had a mild cold weeks ago, but that pesky post-nasal drip now has them coughing non-stop. They can be bouncing off the walls, but I know you’ll side-eye me if I send them to school while they’re hacking over your child’s favorite toys. - The Unwelcome Pink Eye
Think your family is too clean to catch pink eye? That’s adorable. Pink eye lurks everywhere, waiting to pounce. It hides in the corner of your child’s eye that you wipe away with your finger. It’s on the classroom surfaces they touch before adjusting their contact lenses. It’s on the pillowcases where you snuggle up with them at night.
But don’t despair, fellow parents! Despite the chaos that sick days bring—laundry piles that seem to grow overnight and the appearance of someone who hasn’t seen a comb in days—there’s a silver lining. These moments are when we shine as caregivers. We become the nurturing force, offering extra cuddles and their favorite shows, ensuring they feel better in no time.
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In summary, as we gear up for another school year, let’s embrace the inevitable sick days with humor and resilience. While germs will come and go, our ability to care for our little ones during these times is what truly matters.