When my child is under the weather, the only circumstances under which he stays home from school—or skips it altogether—are if he’s running a fever or throwing up. At home, he has just two options: lounge on the couch and watch TV or retreat to bed for some much-needed sleep. That’s the extent of it.
What he won’t be doing is receiving a “get well soon” gift I picked up at a local dollar store specifically for such occasions. There will be no arts and crafts projects, no themed teas or hot chocolates featuring his favorite characters. I won’t be building elaborate hideouts to keep him entertained when the couch gets boring. Forget about scavenger hunts, charades, or themed mom-and-me dates filled with fun. Hair braiding, temporary tattoos, and extravagant bath time adventures? Not happening.
It’s baffling how having a sick child at home has morphed into a special event for parents. This isn’t a time for celebrating the common cold or devising creative bonding experiences. When a kid is sick, they should be resting in bed, sipping soup, and having their temperature checked. They should be encouraged to chill out with a book or some TV if they feel restless. Or better yet, if they have enough energy to drive me crazy around the house, then they’re well enough to return to school.
You can bet my kids despise sick days. My home is not a paradise for them to lounge around making finger-paint masterpieces while I play the role of Mary Poppins. Kids don’t need constant entertainment, especially when they’re unwell. Being sick with the flu, a cold, or a stomach bug is not an opportunity for endless entertainment.
It’s frustrating to witness parents treating their children like spoiled royals who require extravagant experiences to be happy. From over-the-top birthday parties complete with prizes and favors to pointless participation awards and constant photo sessions, all of this fosters a sense of entitlement among kids, eroding their work ethic and appreciation for simplicity. In short, it breeds brats.
No glossy magazine article is going to compel me to go to absurd lengths to fabricate whimsy for my sick child. I refuse to make decorative crepe paper cutouts or bake a “get well” cake. I won’t stockpile toys and games to ensure my child’s happiness during a simple cold.
Instead, I’ll heat up some soup, hand him the TV remote, and carry on with my day. If my child is sick, then he can be sick without the Pinterest-inspired nonsense that’s supposed to make him feel better.
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In summary, when a child is sick, the focus should be on rest and recovery, not lavish entertainment or extravagant gestures.