As summer transitions to fall, I found myself navigating the aisles of Target, gathering all the essential back-to-school supplies for my kids. Mechanical pencils? Absolutely! Washable markers? Count me in! Traditional squeezable glue? Not in my house, but it’s going in the cart anyway! Don’t get me wrong; summer with the kids is a blast, but come late August, this Mama Bear is eagerly anticipating the return of the organized part of my brain that’s been on hold for two months due to their nonstop demands for my attention.
But then, the inevitable sick day looms on the horizon.
Let’s be honest; my kids’ elementary school (along with every other elementary school around) might as well be dubbed “Germ Central Academy.” Sure, teachers assure us that the kids wash their hands and cover their coughs, but we all know the truth. Kids can be downright gross. And whether I like it or not, the laws of childhood dictate that germs will jump from one child to another, and there’s nothing I can do to prevent it.
To prepare for that dreaded call from the school nurse, I’ve put together a list of the top three illnesses my kiddos will likely catch from their classmates this school year. And trust me, there are no hard feelings; we’ll gladly share the germs back once we’re done with them.
1. The “Loose Stool” Starter
This delightful experience begins with watery stools that resemble pee but smell way worse. It quickly escalates into a chaotic cycle of gastrointestinal mayhem, turning your home into a scene straight out of a toilet-themed Groundhog Day: Vomit. Diarrhea. Sips of Gatorade. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Fortunately, this one seems to spare Mom. Sure, I might gag a little while cleaning up the aftermath, but that hardly counts!
2. The Lingering Cough
This sneaky ailment is a real attendance record killer. My kid might have had a sniffle three weeks prior, but that pesky post-nasal drip has taken hold, leaving him with a relentless cough that drags on for days. He can be bouncing off the walls, but I know I can’t send him to school without getting those sideways glances from other parents while he coughs on your child’s favorite backpack.
3. The Eye of Pink
Do you think your family is immune to pink eye? Oh, how charming! Pink eye can strike any household. It lingers in that little bit of “sleep” in your child’s eye that you absentmindedly wipe away with your finger. It’s on the classroom desk you touched before adjusting your contact lens, and it’s definitely on the pillowcase where you laid your head to comfort your little one. It’s always lurking, waiting for its moment to strike.
But fear not, fellow moms! While sick days may disrupt your life, turning your laundry pile into a mountainous task and leaving you looking like you haven’t brushed your hair since the last celebrity feud, there’s still a silver lining.
Sick days are our time to shine! We become the ultimate comforters, delivering soothing snuggles and endless episodes of their favorite shows. Nobody can nurse a little one back to health quite like their mama, and we’ve got that role mastered.
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In summary, while sick days are an inevitable part of the school year, they also provide a unique opportunity for bonding and care between a mother and her child. Embrace the chaos, and remember that you’re doing an amazing job!