As the cold and flu season approaches, it’s hard to ignore that germs seem to be lurking everywhere. I often catch myself daydreaming about living in a sanitized bubble, but the reality is that my children will inevitably encounter their fair share of illnesses this fall and winter. I’ve stocked my pantry with tissues and have a bucket on standby for the inevitable bouts of vomiting that seem to be a rite of passage in our household.
My eldest son, who is in elementary school, brings home a new virus nearly every month. He shares these delightful gifts with his younger brother, who attends a toddler program and is exposed to his own array of germs. Fortunately, both of my kids have reasonably strong immune systems and typically bounce back quickly from these bugs.
While I can’t control their exposure to illness, I have transitioned from being the overzealous mom who carried around hand sanitizer to someone who has accepted the reality of germs permeating our lives. I realize that viruses will find their way into our home, but there is one aspect of germ-sharing that I feel we can manage—communication about illness among friends.
My Polite Request
So here’s my polite request to all of you: Please let me know if your child is unwell!
There’s no need for a detailed account of their symptoms. Just a simple heads-up that, for example, little Max was sick last week is greatly appreciated. This information is crucial, especially if we have a birthday celebration on the horizon or a long-awaited trip planned to somewhere fun. Similarly, if Emma has “just a cold,” I would still like to be informed, as a mild cold can escalate into something more serious for my slightly asthmatic son.
Open communication about our children’s health is essential. I usually don’t cancel plans over a sniffle, but if we have something significant coming up or if my kids have been sick repeatedly, I may need to reconsider. And if your child has been ill recently—even if they seem to have recovered—I’ll probably opt to stay away for a while, as I’ve learned that those germs can linger longer than expected.
Returning the Courtesy
I always strive to return the courtesy. For instance, when my youngest caught a cold just before his birthday party, I made sure to inform our guests of his condition. In turn, one of my friends shared that her son had developed a new cold and decided to keep him at home. This kind of transparency benefits everyone involved.
I understand that sometimes kids appear healthy when they arrive but then start feeling poorly during playdates. It’s not a perfect system, but keeping each other informed allows us to take necessary precautions and show consideration when plans need adjustment.
Most of my friends are great about this, but I’ve encountered situations where the golden rule of communication was overlooked, leaving me frustrated (hello, week-long illness). I find that the worst culprits are often those without children or those who have forgotten how easily kids pick up germs. They may not realize that a minor cold for an adult can turn into an all-night coughing fit for a child.
Embracing Good Manners
Let’s not panic too much about germs. Kids need exposure to various viruses to build robust immune systems. However, let’s also embrace good manners when making plans during the cold and flu season. And while you’re here, consider checking out this artificial insemination kit for more information on home insemination, or visit Jacobsen Salt Co. for insights on health topics. For excellent resources related to pregnancy and home insemination, News Medical is worth a visit.
In Summary
Maintaining open lines of communication during cold and flu season is essential for the well-being of our children. By sharing information about illnesses, we can better manage our plans and protect our families.