How do you deal with friends with sick kids?

PAP179 · December 2009

I have a friend that constantly wants to get together and everytime we do it seems her son is sick. I admit I am a bit of a germaphobe but I feel like it's only respectful to let people know ahead of time because really it isn't worth it for my son to get some playtime when he'll end up with a weeklong sickness from it. Am I being crazy? Do I have to outright ask, "is your kid sick?" before solidifying plans?

And in that same token, she'd probably say "no" since last time we got together her son's (we'll just say) "productive" cough had been lingering for 3 weeks - which doesn't make me any less nevous about my son catching it

punkfiction_v.3 · December 2009

sick? or a runny nose or cough?

the_mulva · December 2009

first, I change all my known contact info. Then, I defriend them on FB for good measure.

olivejuice127 · December 2009

Anytime there is a gtg planned, it is just an unspoken rule. If you kid is sick in any way shape or form you stay home. End of story. reschedule.

Ciconrad · December 2009

I think people should let you know if their kid has a fever or a very active cold. However, if you wait for a kid's nose to stop running completely and cough to go away completely to leave your house, your going to be stuck inside all winter. That's just a part of being a toddler. Plus, my son's nose runs when he is teething.

momtoRaegan041008 · December 2009

Our friends that have children will let us know if their child is sick or if we still want to go out they will find a sitter. We rarely go out though.

swedish-fish · December 2009

If my kid is sick: I tell them outright.

If their kid is sick: I expect them to tell me outright, but I will still (under most circumstances) welcome them into my house.

DD is in daycare. She picks up enough germs there, I'm not worried about a few more.

msabol2077 · December 2009

I really HATE when this happens ( I am a bit of a germaphob too). Whenever we get together at parties or gatherings where everyone brings their lo's. It seems like its always the same kid/kids who are sick (and yes I do consider being sick as having a cough or a runny nose). I just don't get it if my lo was sick, I would want to keep him home for numerous reasons. I agree 120% that its only curtious to let ppl know your child is sick.

I usually just deal with it by not letting my lo around the sick kid. However, I don't think that would work in your case since its only the 2 of you. I would just ask my friend if her lo is sick ahead of time. If she lies to hang out and you see that her kid is sick, just call her out on it.

KimberJEB · December 2009

msabol2077:
It seems like its always the same kid/kids who are sick (and yes I do consider being sick as having a cough or a runny nose). I just don't get it if my lo was sick,

Jack has a runny nose about 70% of the time. Most of the time it's because he's teething, I'm starting to think it's also allergies, but I'm not sure on that yet. I CAN'T stay home with him, knowing he's not contagious. He's just got a runny nose. I'd lose my mind.

(But, then, I don't mind of he's with other kids who ARE sick as long as they don't have a fever or vomiting. I'm kind of the opposite of a germaphobe.)

punkfiction_v.3 · December 2009

bwahahaha my poor kids with allergies.

people like you guys think they are sick 90% of the year.

Mikeysbride2b · December 2009

To answer this simply, I never get together with friends who have a sick child.. I just don't need my son feeling like crap and not sleeping. It isn't that important to us to have a playdate if he will just end up sick. I think you should just be honest and tell her you don't want your child getting sick unless it is necessary (daycare, etc)

Ciconrad · December 2009

KimberJEB:

msabol2077:

It seems like its always the same kid/kids who are sick (and yes I do consider being sick as having a cough or a runny nose). I just don't get it if my lo was sick,
Jack has a runny nose about 70% of the time. Most of the time it's because he's teething, I'm starting to think it's also allergies, but I'm not sure on that yet. I CAN'T stay home with him, knowing he's not contagious. He's just got a runny nose. I'd lose my mind.
(But, then, I don't mind of he's with other kids who ARE sick as long as they don't have a fever or vomiting. I'm kind of the opposite of a germaphobe.)

Me too. I seriously do not worry about a runny nose. The cart at the grocery store is carrying more germs than the kid with a runny nose.

msabol2077 · December 2009

Ciconrad:
KimberJEB:

msabol2077:

It seems like its always the same kid/kids who are sick (and yes I do consider being sick as having a cough or a runny nose). I just don't get it if my lo was sick,
Jack has a runny nose about 70% of the time. Most of the time it's because he's teething, I'm starting to think it's also allergies, but I'm not sure on that yet. I CAN'T stay home with him, knowing he's not contagious. He's just got a runny nose. I'd lose my mind.
(But, then, I don't mind of he's with other kids who ARE sick as long as they don't have a fever or vomiting. I'm kind of the opposite of a germaphobe.)

Me too. I seriously do not worry about a runny nose. The cart at the grocery store is carrying more germs than the kid with a runny nose.

That is what a shopping cart cover is for.

punkfiction_v.3 · December 2009

msabol2077:
Ciconrad:
KimberJEB:

msabol2077:

It seems like its always the same kid/kids who are sick (and yes I do consider being sick as having a cough or a runny nose). I just don't get it if my lo was sick,
Jack has a runny nose about 70% of the time. Most of the time it's because he's teething, I'm starting to think it's also allergies, but I'm not sure on that yet. I CAN'T stay home with him, knowing he's not contagious. He's just got a runny nose. I'd lose my mind.
(But, then, I don't mind of he's with other kids who ARE sick as long as they don't have a fever or vomiting. I'm kind of the opposite of a germaphobe.)

Me too. I seriously do not worry about a runny nose. The cart at the grocery store is carrying more germs than the kid with a runny nose.

That is what a shopping cart cover is for.

do you wash it every single time you go to the store?

msabol2077 · December 2009

punkfiction_v.3:
msabol2077:
Ciconrad:
KimberJEB:

msabol2077:

It seems like its always the same kid/kids who are sick (and yes I do consider being sick as having a cough or a runny nose). I just don't get it if my lo was sick,
Jack has a runny nose about 70% of the time. Most of the time it's because he's teething, I'm starting to think it's also allergies, but I'm not sure on that yet. I CAN'T stay home with him, knowing he's not contagious. He's just got a runny nose. I'd lose my mind.
(But, then, I don't mind of he's with other kids who ARE sick as long as they don't have a fever or vomiting. I'm kind of the opposite of a germaphobe.)

Me too. I seriously do not worry about a runny nose. The cart at the grocery store is carrying more germs than the kid with a runny nose.

That is what a shopping cart cover is for.

do you wash it every single time you go to the store?

My lo is and has been underweight so I really haven't used it yet. I put him in my bjorn or leave him in the carrier. I know, I am a geraphobe, I even said it, my sister is constantly making comments along with all of my friends and the rest of my family. So I am pretty much used to it.

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