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The Unavoidable Sick Day This School Year
As the back-to-school season rolled around, I found myself wandering the aisles of Target, gathering supplies for my little ones. Mechanical pencils? Check! Washable markers? Absolutely! Traditional Elmer’s glue? Toss it in the cart! Let me tell you, while summer with kids is a blast, come August, I’m itching to reclaim that part of my brain that’s been on lockdown for two months thanks to their constant demands for my attention.
But, of course, there’s the looming threat of the sick day.
Let’s be honest, my kids’ elementary school (and every school out there) could easily be renamed “Germ Central Academy.” Sure, educators assure us that kids are washing their hands, sanitizing, and covering their coughs, but we all know the truth. Kids are little petri dishes of germs. And whether I like it or not, the laws of childhood guarantee that some snotty nose is going to pass its germs straight to mine — and there’s not a thing I can do to prevent it.
So, to brace myself for the inevitable call from the school nurse, I’ve put together a list of the top three illnesses my kiddos are bound to catch from yours this school year. And don’t worry, no hard feelings — we’ll gladly return the favor once we’re done with them!
- The “Loose Stool” Starter
It all starts with that watery poop. You know, the kind that sounds like urine but smells a whole lot worse? It quickly spirals into a cycle of gastrointestinal chaos that turns your home into a scene reminiscent of a toilet-themed version of Groundhog Day: Vomit. Diarrhea. Sip of Gatorade. Simultaneous vomit and diarrhea. Dry heaves. Repeat. Thankfully, this one seems to spare Mom — though she might gag a little while cleaning up the aftermath, but that hardly counts. - The Lingering Cough
This nearly symptomless nuisance is the kryptonite to perfect attendance. My child had a slight sniffle three weeks ago, but now a pesky post-nasal drip has taken hold, leaving him hacking for what feels like an eternity. He might be doing backflips off the couch and appears perfectly fine, but I can’t send him to school. I know you’d give me that look (and I’d do the same in your shoes) while he’s coughing all over your kid’s favorite Paw Patrol backpack. - The Eye of Pink
Think your family is too clean to catch pink eye? Oh, bless your heart. Pink eye is an equal-opportunity germ! It lurks in that hint of “sleep” in the corner of your kid’s eye that you wipe away with your bare finger. It’s hanging out on the classroom desk you casually touched before adjusting your contact lens. It’s lurking on that pillowcase where you laid your head to soothe your little one to sleep. It’s always there, festering, waiting. And yes, it’s coming for you.
But fear not, fellow mamas! While the inevitable sick days might turn your world upside down, creating a mountain of laundry and leaving you looking like you haven’t combed your hair since the last time Taylor and Kanye were on speaking terms, there’s still something to celebrate. Sick days are our moment to shine! We are the ultimate caregivers, dishing out all the “feel better” vibes. From extra cuddles to binge-watching episodes of our favorite shows, nobody can nurse a little one back to health quite like their mama.
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Summary:
As the school year begins, parents brace themselves for the inevitable sick days that come with their children bringing home germs. From loose stools to lingering coughs and the ever-dreaded pink eye, these illnesses are an unavoidable part of childhood. However, sick days also present an opportunity for parents to shine as caregivers, providing comfort and care while navigating the chaos of illness.