How do you get over this?

monchichi

I am a total germ freak.  I disinfect my house multiple times a day and really watch what the kids touch when we're out and about. I just hate seeing my kids sick and do whatever I can to avoid it.  I have a Biology degree and logically I know that they need to build their immune systems, but I really really am phobic about it.

DS is starting preschool and I know he's going to be exposed to quite a bit this year.  The kids have never been in daycare, so I'm expecting lots of illness this year.

How do you get over worrying about sick kids?  I mean, they get over things relatively quickly when they're young, right?  

mamarazzi

I've gotten better since #2 came along. I just can't keep them away from germ-y stuff -- I don't have a free hand to do so!

I think you should just tell yourself that you've raised your kids to be cautious of germs and they'll take care of themselves in that department while at daycare.  DS1 HATES to be dirty and wants his hands washed multiple times a day.  Stress to the DCP that you want to make sure DCren wash their hands after using the restroom and before meals.

A licensed center should have a policy in place that toys and hard surfaces are disinfected nightly.  When I was a daycare teacher, tables were wiped down with a bleach solution after every meal or activity, nap mats were wiped down in the evening (even if they were covered with sheets), toys were disinfected once all children had gone and all wash cloths, bibs, etc. were washed in hot overnight.

Hang in there -- I know it's tough to let go of some of the control/protection.  My DS2 has food allergies, including some contact ones, so my paranoia is back but now I'm worried about him being exposed to foods that will make him sick.  I've just been really upfront with my provider and she's very understanding (and a bit of a germaphobe herself, which works nicely).

amiamish

If they don't get sick now, they will just get sick when they first start school. Its just one of those things that you can't prevent. As long as you teach them to wash their hands and they are old enough to keep their hands (and other foreign objects) out of their mouth it'll be ok.

juniper19

I get that you are a Biologist and you know they should get sick.  But do you really realize that you could be causing serious harm by limiting their exposure to germs to such a degree?  It isn't just about decreasing colds.  There is some research that this kind of disinfecting could put people at risk for much more serious diseases:

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/health/27brod.html?

All this disinfecting also increases the risk for superbugs.  The bacteria that die are the weak ones, only the strong ones survive.  And those aren't easily killed with standard anti-biotics.

veloelle

If you are truly phobic and your irrational thoughts prevail your biology-based rational thoughts, I'd talk w/ someone who can give you tools/coping mechanisms to deal w/ the germ issue.

monchichi

juniper19:

I get that you are a Biologist and you know they should get sick.  But do you really realize that you could be causing serious harm by limiting their exposure to germs to such a degree?  It isn't just about decreasing colds.  There is some research that this kind of disinfecting could put people at risk for much more serious diseases:

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/health/27brod.html?

All this disinfecting also increases the risk for superbugs.  The bacteria that die are the weak ones, only the strong ones survive.  And those aren't easily killed with standard anti-biotics.

Yes, I know all about this.  I've actually gotten rid of hand sanitizers in the house and am sticking with plain old hand washing with soap. I actually read this article when it came out and it really opened my eyes!

LestaMarie

I think it sounds like you've done a lot to encourage your kids to have good hygiene habits, and that's great.  As far as getting over the worry...I guess that's something you'll have to take one step at a time.  I'm far from being a germophobe and my kids are rarely, if ever, sick, and I think it has actually helped that I've been more relaxed about exposing them to stuff (my house isn't dirty, but I don't santize their hands - just plain old water and soap, etc). 

Something I heard once is that if you expect things (like you're expecting "lots of illness"), you're more likely to get it.  Try to expect that they'll be fine, that they know good personal hygiene, and that their immune systems are developed.  I'm not saying they won't get sick that way, but putting yourself in a positive frame of mind about it is a good place to start.