It can be one of the most stressful things about parenting. You get up in the morning, expecting the day to go like normal, but your kid is warm to the touch or in the bathroom sick. How do you know when to keep your child home from school or daycare? How do you deal with your employer or looking for someone to watch them?
When to keep your child home
Every school and day care will have their own policy, so you should look at that first. In general, children should stay home if:
- They have a fever of over 100
- They are vomiting
- They have diarrhea
- They have an uncontrollable cough and/or suspected COVID-19
- Certain rashes like chicken pox or measles
- Their symptoms will make learning difficult or be a distraction to others
Usually, a school will say that your child has to be symptom or fever free for 24 hours before they can return.
What to do about childcare
If your child is too sick to go to school, childcare becomes an issue. Try to think ahead and save up your paid time off. When the winter months hit, you can be guaranteed that your child will take up all of those days. Be upfront and honest with your employer. Talk to them to see about solutions to your situation like telecommuting or switching shifts.
If you must go to work, look for help among nearby family and friends. Contact co-workers who have children and ask them what they recommend. Don’t be shy about asking for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and resourcefulness.
Maybe a co-worker who has children but has the day off can assist in keeping an eye on your child for the day. Be creative. You don’t necessarily have to pay for childcare, but you can exchange other goods and services instead.
Search online or call your local hospital. There may be a sick child center near-by that offers daycare services.
Having a sick child can be a stressful part of being a parent. Can they go to school? What can you do with them if they must stay home but you must go to work? But with some knowledge and creativity, you can make it over this speed-bump too and your child can be well again.
By Bethanie Ryan
