When I first dreamed about motherhood, I never imagined the overwhelming presence of germs that would accompany the joy of raising children. I certainly didn’t envision my future kids getting sick during outings or my partner and I rushing to care for two little ones who are both feeling unwell in separate bathrooms at 2 a.m.
As a child, I had my own peculiarities, but germs weren’t a concern until I became a mom. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by tiny germ factories, and I began to worry about when my little ones would master blowing their noses and using the toilet. Spoiler alert: we’re still working on it!
It felt as though I transformed into a germaphobe overnight. Now, I spend my days anxiously counting the days until cold and flu season seems to be behind us (it never truly is) and hoping I don’t get any notes about lice outbreaks from school (yep, that happened).
If you think being both a mom and a germaphobe should be opposites, I’m here to tell you that they can coexist. I’m a living example, and I know there are other parents like me out there! I’ve noticed you with your shopping cart covers and offering hand sanitizer like it’s candy at the playground. So, if you find yourself nodding along, here are some signs you might be a germ-averse mom:
- Choosing a shopping cart feels like a game of Russian roulette. You stand there contemplating which cart last held a child who might have had a contagious illness, praying your selection is “safe.”
- You could easily stock a hand sanitizer company with the supplies you have at home, in your purse, or even in your car. I always carry at least two bottles of liquid safety in my bag and have a stash of sanitizing wipes on hand. My vehicle has Costco-sized dispensers, and my kitchen counter features a pump that’s always ready for use.
- You rarely share food or drinks with your kids. Forget about sharing your water bottle; kids should always bring their own on outings to the park, because you simply can’t risk catching whatever they might be harboring.
- In public restrooms, you wish you could don a hazmat suit. Instead, you find yourself whispering urgently to your toddler, “Stand still, don’t touch anything! Keep your hands in your pockets and hold your breath if you can.”
- Visiting a children’s museum feels like entering a hazardous zone. You bravely take your kids there, but you know to schedule a full week of recovery time afterward to combat the germs they’re going to pick up from the communal toys. You scan the room for coughing children, guiding your own away from potential germ hotspots.
- Your kids instinctively understand the importance of handwashing when they return home from school. Sorry, kiddos, but hugs and cuddles come after we scrub those hands clean!
- When your child is sick, they’re kept at a distance. You provide sympathy from afar, thinking, “Oh dear, my sweet child. It will pass soon.” Meanwhile, your mind races with thoughts like, “I need a shower!”
- Fast food play areas? No, thank you! Just the term “ball pit” sends shivers down your spine.
- Public surfaces, doorknobs, and stair rails are viewed as breeding grounds for germs. Your kids quickly learn that eating off a public table is off-limits, and they’ve mastered the art of flushing toilets with their feet as soon as they’re potty trained.
- When your child reports that someone in class was sick, you might feel like performing a protective ritual to keep illness at bay. You know it’s probably too late, so you start deep breathing and visualizing your happy place.
Yes, it’s a challenge being a germ-conscious parent, but it does get a little easier as time passes. I know that hand sanitizer isn’t everyone’s favorite, and I’m aware you might roll your eyes when I offer some to your kids. But don’t worry; I’m here for you in public spaces, ready to share a sanitizing wipe when you can’t bring yourself to sit on a dirty bench.
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In conclusion, being a germ-conscious parent is a journey filled with challenges, but you’re not alone. Embrace the quirks, and remember to take care of yourself and your family along the way!