hmmm.....while I do agree with you, I also see the other side of this. If she's too sick to take care of her kids and just needs to sleep all day, what's she supposed to do with the little ones? I never have that luxury. I never get kid-free sick days, BUT if you have that option and she doesn't have to drag her sick butt out of bed to make snacks, lunches, solve disputes, I can see her taking advantage of that.

If your parents were concerned they could say no. And if I was your parents, I'd be a little OCD and have the kids strip down at the door......since it's family, I'd possibly even make them shower quickly and put on fresh clothes.