As a parent, you might find yourself questioning whether your child is truly under the weather or simply trying to avoid school. My own eight-year-old seemed genuinely ill for about five minutes on Monday and maybe another five on Tuesday. However, that all changed when I mentioned school after lunch, and suddenly he looked less sick than ever. If you’re also wondering if your child is really unwell or just putting on a show, here are ten signs to look for:
- When you reluctantly agree to let them stay home due to a cough that sounds contagious, they instantly cheer, “Yay, no homework today!”
- They sneak into the kitchen for a snack, and you catch a glimpse of them darting back downstairs with something concealed behind their back. Upon investigation, you discover it’s a stash of weird-flavored jelly beans from a recent birthday party. Yes, they are craving those bizarre flavors.
- They enthusiastically engage in a game that involves making their little sibling scream at the top of their lungs.
- You head downstairs to do laundry and find them upside down on the stairs. IN THE STAIRWELL.
- At lunchtime, they devour twice as much food as you do and then sweetly request their stash of jelly beans for dessert.
- Throughout the day, they come up to you, let out a loud fart, and burst into laughter as if it’s just another ordinary day.
- When you suggest taking a picture to document their “sick day,” they immediately break into a spontaneous dance on the floor.
- You advise them to relax, and they interpret that as sitting on the chair for about 10 seconds before seizing your phone to snap selfies with a weighted exercise ball balanced on their head.
- They can’t stop singing “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” in a high-pitched voice while they should be napping.
- After a period of quiet, you sneak back to check on them, only to be greeted by a room that looks like a tornado hit it. Toys, puzzles, and even the contents of their underwear drawer are strewn everywhere. They glance at your shocked expression and say, “I know, I know. I promise I’ll go back to school tomorrow.”
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In summary, recognizing the signs that your child might be faking illness can help you navigate their antics more effectively. Trust your instincts as a parent and consider seeking guidance from reputable sources when needed.