Constant Sick Children

[Suzie_Homemaker]

Why are you allowing them to remain for the day? It seems counter productive to require them to be out tomorrow when they are in your home right now, exposing you to their potential illnesses and it's completely opposed to the statements you've made to parents.

I would draw up some very detailed illness policies and publish them. But that means you have to be willing to enforce them too.

[Islandmama123]

I completely see what you're saying. The reason I let them stay is a) it was directly at nap time and one of the littles is my children that needs a nap. The parent is a teacher who works 35 minutes away and by the time she got here nap would be 1/2 over. I would rather not disturb my child as well when I am at an arena tonight with his brothers twice and a child who hasn't napped. So I let the other child stay since we were already exposed.

Should I be resending my sick policy to them? I would like to do it in a friendly manner, yet I want them to know I am dead serious that I am not putting up with this any more.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

Should I be resending my sick policy to them? I would like to do it in a friendly manner, yet I want them to know I am dead serious that I am not putting up with this any more.

Yes - resend it with a firm reminder that it's part of your agreement and not optional.

You could do that with an e-mail about it being cold season and then be firmer, stricter when they show up with a sick child. Don't be afraid of quizzing them at the door if they mention their child being off at drop off times and don't be afraid to deny care if you learn they've been dosed up, had a fever the night before etc.

It gets easier to say "unfortunately, as you know, I cannot take little Johny until he's been home for min 24 hours fever free. Please keep me updated but he cannot come in today."

If/when they put on the pressure about being unable to have time off/the child being okay other than the fever, then you can reply that you do empathize but unfortunately your hands are tied and you aren't allowed to accept them.It is possible to be friendly and firm without being confrontational. If it helps, practice what your reply might be so it's ready if needed.