I know I'm more laid back than most; in fact, that's one of my favorite personality traits. Typically, I don't identify with more rigid parenting, and have recently encountered another cultural divide over the prevention, treatment, and socialization of sick children.
I think Devon Corneal hits the nail on the head: people are obsessed with keeping their kids from getting sick and I think their kids suffer because of it.
Let me explain: I don't necessarily want to be up all night with a whiny, feverish child, but I tend to think that comes with the territory. I don't necessarily want my child to be uncomfortable or hospitalized (God forbid), but I also don't want to keep the doors locked, windows shut, parkas on, with the hand sanitizer at my hip. I'm old school and believe that our immune system needs some exercise. Plus, life is too short to be worried about what lurks on door handles and ball pits at McDonalds (pretty sure those are illegal now, but I remember hearing ridiculous warnings about razors and poop...).
What I find most amusing about germaphobes is the lack of understanding of what actually gets people sick (Let children out of the house; the weather doesn't get you sick). Like with the flu, we are actually contagious before we are symptomatic, so your kid's likely to get the crap even before I have the chance to put my kid's snot under the microscope to determine if it is a cold or just allergies. So then what? Should I apologize and grovel until your kid sick-bombs my kid?
I've had mothers call me and tell me about their kid's rapid onset of swine flu after a play date. That's kind. I'm glad you called and sincerely appreciate the forewarning as it gives me the chance to stock up on creamer and children's ibuprofen. But please don't apologize. I don't hate you for living outside of a plastic bubble. It's life, man.
There is a point where I draw the line: don't bring your whiny, feverish, uncomfortable child over to my house. And why would that be? They're super annoying.
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