Wanting to pull DS from pre school due to germs.

[Anonymous]

DS started going to preschool last year and it’s just been a constant stream of illness. He’s been sick every month if not every other month and it has been a total nightmare. I’ve used up all my sick days from work caring for him.

I never thought it would be a big deal, but last week he brought home a stomach virus that went through the house like wildfire and it was horrible. The first time both kids have been sick. DH and I were both sick and trying to care for them. I had to call my doctor and get meds for anti nausea because I couldn’t even keep down water it was so bad.

I never want to deal with that again and feel almost traumatized and am considering pulling him from preschool or seriously considering only going once per week. Has anyone else dealt with this?

[Anonymous]

That’s ridiculous. Kids get sick. The more exposure the more immunity they build. Mine started daycare as an infant and hasn’t missed a day of school in all of elementary (going into 3rd). Disinfect the house and suck it up - it’ll get better.

[Anonymous]

This is just part of having little kids. Lots of illnesses, and they spread from one sibling to the next. It gets better eventually. If you don't expose him to germs in preschool, you will in kindergarten.

Encourage him to wash his hands before school (perhaps with Hibiclens), before any snack or meal and right when he gets home from school. You could also have him change his clothes to play clothes after school.

[Anonymous]

You are going to have to face the stream of germs now, or in kindergarten. Better to get it over with now. The older they get, the more miserable they are.

It really sounds like you had a crazy bad run of bugs. I would guess this year will be much better.

[Anonymous]

What would you do instead?

[Anonymous]

Haven’t dealt with this, and I’m sorry you are. It sounds miserable.

But why do you think it would be different than when he goes to kindergarten? He’s got to build up his immunity at some point, right?

Alternatively, do you think the preschool isn’t being as diligent as they should be with hand washing and cleaning?

[Anonymous]

You either go through it now or go through it later (unless you homeschool).

[Anonymous]

I take it you had a nanny before this?

Welcome to working parent germ hell. It sucks, but it won't last forever.

Also: Has your DH used up all of his sick days? Because this shouldn't all be on you.

Use screens abundantly so you only have to take a half day when your DS is sick and you're not.

[Anonymous]

It will be better this year.
My husband and I were the sickest we've ever been the year our twins started daycare.
They (and we) have been healthy since. My husband and I literally haven't missed a day of work in 10 years. Our kids are now 12 and have had less than 3 sick days each in the intervening decade.

[Anonymous]

It’s either now or in K. Just power through.

[Anonymous]

Teach your child to wash their hands OFTEN.

[Anonymous]

OP - I went through this in the spring with my kid where every other week one of my kids contracted something.

It's awful for so many reasons: seeing your child suffer, the lack of sleep, the pressure it puts on your work etc. It's hard enough being a working parent with kids, and illness on top of it just throws everything out of whack. It can feel so overwhelming.

I also have emetophobia so that's a challenge too. But, like the others have said, there really isn't an alternative.

One way I try to refame this is by reminding myself that their bodies are strong and can handle it. I remind myself that this too will pass.

If your anxiety about this doesn't calm down, consider seeing a CBT therapist. They are good with stuff like this.

[Anonymous]

My kid always got sick in pre-school as well. I noticed DC got really ill following flu shots or even other routine vaccines. Once I stopped the flu shots, DS was way healtier-went from always going to the er, hospital admissions to virtually illness free. It worked for me-and my kis was fully vaccinated up until then-and the difference is night and day.

[Anonymous]

How old is the kid? The first winter is the worst. Then it gets better. Their immunity really kicks in at age 3.
Lots of hand washing, teaching not to put things in their mouths, changing clothes as soon as he comes home.
Also outside time and lots of vegetables and fruits for vitamins.
Also check with the preschool as to what their standards are. Including for potty training and diapering

[Anonymous]

It's better now than when they start school. My 6 year old only missed school due to illness 2 times last year. She was sick all the time in preschool.