2 Answers
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Oh this is such a tough one! Even now with school age kids, I am shocked by the number of parents who send their sick kids to school. Our school has a rule that if your child was throwing up or had a fever, then they must be fever and symptom free for at least 24 hours before returning to school. This is not always followed and some of my good friends even choose to disregard the rule if it not convenient to keep their child home due to work etc.... UGH!
If you have a regular playgroup or group of pals, you can talk about some basic guidelines and ask people to keep their sick kids home as a courtesy to everyone. You would just need to agree on what "sick" is. Sometimes it is Mom who doesn't want to give up her "playdate" and social interaction with other Mom's. :)
Unfortunately, some parents do not consider a child sick unless they have a fever or are actively throwing up. I have been amazed by the number of people who consider a goopy, drippy green nose and cough all just normal for the "winter" or part of "teething". It is easier now that they are older. Little ones like to grab toys, share snacks and toddle over each other. I have carried my Wet Ones with me to playdates and even keep some in my car now. I have also pointed out to the parent that their child looks like they don't feel well, might need to be snuggled or feel better at home resting. Sometimes staing the obvious helps.
As far as giving the heads up if your child becomes sick, I think it is the right thing to do, depending upon the illness. I have received those dreaded calls..."my child just came down with conjunctivitis, my child threw up this afternoon, my child has strep" Although I do not like to receive the call, I am better prepared to watch for symptoms and changes in my kiddos.
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In addition to the comments by the previous person, I'd like to also say that at our preschool they put a note in our cubbies when your child has been exposed to anything big, like lice, strep, conjunctivitis, etc. It's not so easy with a smaller play group. You just have to talk to each other. There's no way to avoid the personal interaction and possible uncomfortable conversation that may follow. But its' part of being a parent. Just smile and say as diplomaticly as possible - is your child's runny nose from allergies? Hopefully this person will get your point.
Also, you're kids are going to get exposed to everything! It's unavoidable. And may even be a good thing in the long run. Healthy immune systems aren't built in a sterile bubble. It's just hard to see it that way when you're having to stay home and take care of a sick kid.
