Hearing the dreaded words of “Mommy/Daddy, I don’t feel so good” is enough to strike fear into any parent’s heart. Whatever the ailment, (a cold, stomach virus, flu, or other), you’re going to spend some time worrying about responsibilities at work, scheduling childcare if your son or daughter can’t make it to school, and helping him or her feel better. However, you can lessen the stress by preparing yourself in advance. Below are our childcare professionals’ tips to help plan for a sick day.
Make a Sick-Day Plan in Advance
According to The National Institute of Health, young children can get 8 to 10 colds a year before they turn the age of 2. Anticipating that your child is bound to get sick at one point or another will help alleviate stress when the inevitable occurs. With those statistics in mind, little things like keeping your children warm this winter can go a long way to prevent regular illness. Plan ahead for childcare options if your son or daughter can’t make it to school. Will a grandparent come in or is there a neighborhood sitter? Will you or your partner stay home? Telecommunicate? The more specific your strategy, the less you’ll worry later on. Additionally, pack a “sick-child” go bag and keep it in your hallway closet. It should be filled with basic medicines, a change of clothes, snacks, favorite toy or stuffed animal, and other essentials. In the event that you have to bring your child to a sitter or a grandparent, supplies are stocked in advance.
Determine the Severity of Your Child’s Sickness
Sometimes your child’s symptoms will make it easy to determine whether or not he or she should stay home. Older children should stay home if their temperature rises above 100.4 F because even if they’re not contagious, your child will not be able to fully engage with other people at daycare or school. If your child has vomited twice or more in a day’s span, he or she should stay home. If your child is suffering from a persistent cough, feels lethargic, or has a fever accompanied by coughing, he or she should stay home. Additional signs that your child may or may not need a sick day can be found here and here. Both websites feature lists of when to send your child to school and when they should stay home, so you can print them out and have a guide hanging on your fridge for future reference.
Stay Connected with Work
It’s best to have a contingency plan, so make sure to talk to your boss or your supervisor about it in anticipation of these events. Should you have to stay home with your child, make sure to tell your boss in a professional manner and as soon as you know. You should also refrain from sharing any gory details, sticking only to the facts. If you’re out of the office, make sure to stay as responsive as possible. Refrain from using any social media.
Don’t Blame Your Child for Being Sick
If you have to stay home, abstain from blaming your child. Unfortunately, these things happen and it will only make your son or daughter feel worse if they witness your frustration. After all, exposure to some germs helps strengthen the body’s immunity, allowing bodies to more effectively fight future illnesses. Check out our blog on minimizing germs from circulating for more information.
Contact the Nanny Authority Today!
Here at the Nanny Authority, our childcare professionals are familiar with and equipped to handle common winter ailments. For more information on the services we provide, contact us at 973-466-2669 or via e-mail today!