I only read through the first 8-10 responses, but I have to say I kind of agree with this doctor.
This:
"Already I get lots of parents complaining about how daycare makes their kids sick -- and it's absolutely true that kids in daycare are more likely to get viral illnesses than those who aren't.
But... that's not all bad. There's plenty of research these days to suggest that getting a few illnesses as a young child ends up being good for you in the long run. It helps to strengthen the immune system. And since very often we are contagious before we even realize we are sick, kids (and staff) are getting exposed anyway."
says it all.
I grew up with my mom doing DC before I was even born. She and Dad, as well as us kids, were exposed to all kinds of c.r.a.p. While I concede the fact that maybe good genes are part of the reason, I still say that it's BECAUSE of being exposed to all the c.r.a.p. that NONE of us are ones to get sick more than once every 10 years. I've done DC 20 years, and have called off twice - about 15 years apart. And only for one day each.
And I completely agree with this as well:
"Nobody is saying that kids should go to daycare if they are really sick. They shouldn't go if they have a high fever, if they are having frequent vomiting or diarrhea, if their cough is so bad it limits activity, if they are miserable in any way. But lots of daycares exclude kids for things like the slightest fever, any diarrhea, one episode of vomiting, the mildest pinkeye or any rash besides a diaper rash."
They need to be kept home if they're currently puking or have things like a high fever that make them lethargic. It's more work for US if these things happen, so of course they should stay home where THEY are most comfortable and comforTED by Mom.
"1. Does the child's illness keep him or her from comfortably taking part in activities?
2. Does the sick child need more care than the staff can give without affecting the health and safety of other children?"
^^^ Exactly!
I realize we're all different in our methods. Yours is great if you have strict sickness policies! But merely speaking for myself, I feel like kids are exposed to it before symptoms occur, so it's pretty much a moot point. AND I feel that kids NEED to have exposure to at least
some germs.
I feel like as a society, we over-wash our hands too. So there!!! I know I'm the odd man out. Whatever.....