She Is Sick Again and I Just Don't Know What to Do with Daycare Anymore????

Updated on October 18, 2009
V.A. asks from Pompano Beach, FL
33 answers

Elizabeth my 3 year old is sick now about the 4th time in a row since she started daycare back in July. I wish I can find a job from home and send her part time to daycare and not fulltime because she just keeps getting sick. I feel so bad it breaks my heart to see her like that all the time. She is sick now with a stomach virus and hasn't eaten anything. I am waiting for the doctor to call back and see what I should do because she was sick 3 weeks ago with something different bronchitis and an ear infection. Anyone have any ideas of jobs from home or what I should do??? or have her go part time....I am so worried about her health.....please advise me of any thing I should do from home so I can spend more time with her....thanks!

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D.J.

answers from Miami on

my son,3 years old, was sick 3 times in a month when he first started preschool. the ped. told me to use ocean nasal spray on him 3 times a day every day until december or after cold&flu season. i have been doing it and he has not been sick since.
keeping the nose clean gets rid of all the germs that get in there and cause sickness.
good luck
D.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.W.

answers from Tampa on

Get her a private sitter. In most cases a private sitter is cheaper then daycare anyway. If it were me I would try to find someone that is willing to come into her home to care for her.

J.C.

answers from Tampa on

Don't let the working mom guilt get to you, she will be fine. Toddlers pick up around 18 bugs a year, there's nothing wrong with her immune system. School is good for her, you can't keep her in a bubble. Just teach her how to wash her hands a lot and talk to the school about their policy on keeping sick kids at home, some parents don't unfortunately.

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H.J.

answers from Tampa on

I'm having the same issue with my almost 2 year old. He's home with me but I work part-time in a church nursery and once a week I take him with me to a bible study that has day care. Since I've been doing that he's been sick 3 times in the last 8 weeks. I do have an older son (8 going on 9) and from what I remember from 2-5 it felt like I was in that Dr.s office twice a month with ear infections, sinus infections bronchitis you name it he had it. Even had the rotovirus before the vaccine was available. I know it is hard, noone likes to see their kiddo sick but they are building up their immunity with all these illnesses. When my oldest was 4 I was in the Dr.s office for the umpteenth time and he said I promise you when this kid turns 5 this will change. He was right. He turned 5 and he got sick maybe 3 times a year. So there is hope and thank God she gets sick with minor things. I have a close friend who's child winds up in the hospital almost every time he's sick. We need to count our blessings.

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A.W.

answers from Tampa on

Hi V.! Since Elizabeth just started daycare in July, I really wouldn't be too concerned. It's very common for kids to get sick a lot when they first start daycare or nursery school. Our oldest had never been in daycare and his first year in nursery school, he kept getting a cough. Our pedi gave us a year's worth of refills on the cough medicine so we didn't have to keep going back. It just takes some time for their little bodies to get used to all these new germs :)

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F.A.

answers from Tampa on

If this is her first time in daycare she just has to build up her immunity. I really feel for you because I have been in the same situation. My son started daycare at 3 months and as long as he was in the nursery it was all right. Then this year he moved to the 1 yr old room and I guess because there are more kids, touching each other and putting everything in their mouths, he started getting sick constantly. For awhile he was sick every other week and there didn't seem to be anything we could do about it. Lately in the last month or two, things have finally started to get better. I think he has finally built up enough immunity that he can fight off many of the bugs that he is exposed to. But with daycare, there is always going to be some problem with sickness. As my pediatritian says, daycares keep baby doctors in business.
Good luck. At least she is getting immunity now instead of waiting until she starts regular school.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.D.

answers from Fort Myers on

Hi V.; I work from home and love it. Check out my website at sldhomebiz.net. Also if you would like more information you can call me at ###-###-#### (I am in Iowa until the first of the year) or call my toll free # and leave me a message with your phone # and I will call you. My toll free # is 866-735-0776. Don't feel like you will be pressured if you call. I will just give you information and answer any question you may have. This is a company where your work for yourself but not by your self. There is always someone to help with training and any help you need.Lots of mom's & dad's are enjoying being able to be at home with their children and still have a good business of their own. Look forward to hearing from you. S.

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J.A.

answers from Jacksonville on

Dear V.,

You have two different issues here. The first issue of your daughter getting sick at daycare is normal. Whether it's daycare or kindergarden, when children are first exposed to large numbers of other children they exchange virus' and bacteria their bodies aren't used to. It occurs again if you change schools/daycare locations or groups of children. Ask your doctor, he/she will probably tell you the same thing.

The issue of you spending more time with her is a different problem. If you are spending quality time in the evenings it should be fine. If you are looking for a stay at home job that you can support yourself with I wish you luck. Lots of scams out there, DON'T send money to any they are a rip off. I have been trying to find a stay at home job where you really make money for two years, so if you do, please share.

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K.H.

answers from Tampa on

This similar situation happened to a friend of mine who's son got sick every couple weeks when starting daycare. Her situation was a bit worse because the getting sick got complicated and affected his lungs which turned into serious asthma needing treatments and so on. Every child adapts differently. She took him out of course after a month or two and has someone come to her house to care for him while she is working. That is an option for you or there may be someone in your area caring for kids from home and have only a handful of children at one time. They tend to keep their homes clean and the kids are well taken car of. Good luck, it's not easy.....do think of your child's health too. Can any family members get involve? Perhaps a family member can care for her twice a week and you can find someone to care for her the other days and pay much less than day care as well.

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A.D.

answers from Fort Myers on

You can absolutely improve her health through nutrition and supplements to build her immune system. I particularly love helping children be healthier through my business. I'm listed under Pediatric Health in the MamaSource business listing as a Shaklee Independent Distributor. This is my area of expertise, and I would love to be of service to you. A.

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C.G.

answers from Boca Raton on

I have to completely agree with Faith and Lynn. I have had both my boys in daycare since they were 3 months old. Yes, the first year they were there, they got sick all the time. When my younger one kept getting ear infections, one of the doctors kept telling me to take him out of daycare - it was just not an option. I needed to work. But you know what, they are 6 and 4 and pretty healthy. My youngest during the fall/winter months still gets runny noses at least every 6 weeks, but no more fevers, etc than any other child. Like one of the girls said, I would rather they be exposed to all the germs now and build up their immunity so they won't get sick when they enter kindergarten. It is worse to have to keep them home during grade school than in daycare.

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S.S.

answers from Daytona Beach on

first of all check the quality of the daycare. if it's a good clean daycare that follow the rules, then children who are sick shouldn't be coming. yes, she will get sick in elementry but that you can't control as they HAVE to go there. if you want to spend more time with her check out this www.westathome.com. i have worked for them for since january. it can take a while to start for them or for them to get back with you. it's telecommunications but you only take inbound calls. they have clients such as Directv, ToysRus, Sears, Virgin Mobile, etc. i've never had a pay issue that wasn't resolved, and the hours are SO flexible. i also checked the BBB on them and they have a clean record.

Good luck
Stacy

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E.N.

answers from Dallas on

Well my advice would be dont take her to daycare and find a friend or family member to watch her i would happily volunteer dat would be great since i have a lil babygir as well and they could play lus my baby barely ever gets sick so she wont get urs sick lol

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A.F.

answers from Orlando on

Awww - that must break your heart. Are you giving her any form of vitamins to strengthen her immune system?

What do you do full time?

Let's talk.

A.
###-###-####

1 mom found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Tampa on

Hi,
Someone wrote me that I say the same thing alot- well that is because there are a few truths about some things, I think- and here is one of them- If she keeps getting sick then something is wrong with her immune system- and the statistics are clear- use antibiotics and that INCREASES the subsequent number of infections- so clearly not the best longterm solution.
Ok, then what to do?
WestonPrice Foundation- check them out- Weston Price was this brilliant doc in the 30s and he went all over the planet to see who was well, and how they accomplished that- and that is what is available at their foundation.
Also a great reference is Dr. Bruce West- I try to get all my friends, neighbors, family, patients, anyone to whom I speak to get his newsletter- he tells the truth and doesn't pull any punchs- and right now I think that all of us women who are responsible for our health and the health of our families must be informed.
So, V. if you use those to get information you will know how to protect your child's health.
best, k

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D.W.

answers from Gainesville on

Sending her even part time to a traditional daycare setting is going to give you the exact problems you are having now unfortunately. If there is absolutely no possible way for you to stay home with her then I would look into home based daycare with a very small number of kids. Bless you moms and dads that have to send your little ones to daycare. It's got to be so tough and stressful.

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C.S.

answers from Miami on

Dear V.,

Most children will get sick for the first 6-12 months when they enter either daycare or school. The good news for daycare children is that most likely they will not be sick when they enter kindergarten.

Keep in mind that going to daycare part-time is not going to reduce the illnesses she is exposed to when at daycare.

When my 3 1/2 year old was 6 months old, I went back to work 4 days per week. I was off on Wednesdays and stayed home with him. That was a good situation for me since it meant I never had to deal with more than 2 days of getting him up and to daycare and commuting! When he turned 18 months, I left that job and began working 3 days per week, Monday, Wed., Friday. Since then my son has been in daycare on those days. It was harder when he was younger, I honestly think that he didn't understand the routine. Now that he has a good grasp on time and knows the days of the week, he is pretty well adjusted. I love having the 2 days off per week to stay home with him - and NOT commute!

If you have a job, then just be happy that you have one! It is a real blessing in this economy. Next year, your daughter would probably go to VPK anyways, and daycare is giving her a chance to adjust to school. If you are confident about your daycare, and your daughter seems happy there, then just know that you have a rough patch to get through and then you'll have a child that rarely gets sick! My son got everything from "daycare crud" (constant runny nose) to ear infections, to bronchitis, etc in the first year after he started daycare. He hasn't been sick now in almost a year (since an airplane flight from CA to FL last Christmas).

Best wishes,
C.

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A.A.

answers from Columbus on

Hello, my first piece of advice for your daughter's health is to start her on colostrum. It is the same stuff the breastmilk provides in the first few days of life but it comes in powder form from cows. You can google to find out more about it but me, my husband, sister, and 2 nieces (aged 2 and 3) take it. I think you can find it in health food stores and I know you can buy it online. It boosts the immune system by providing antibodies and it also helps protect the digestive tract, all in all keeping your child healthier than usual. My husband hasn't been sick in over 3 years since he's been taking it. We just combine it with milk and chocolate powder to make it into a milkshake.

As for a job for you, have you heard of Cookie Lee? I am not into this at all, but lots of my friends are consultants and are making good money. It basically is the same concept as Avon, Tupperware, etc. It's jewelry that is affordable and trendy. Just an idea, maybe not your thing either. Good luck!

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V.T.

answers from Tampa on

I just started doing my own thing because I love Fitness, and I want to stayhome with my little one! - You can check out the info at www.beachbodycoach.com/vicki29

Just one of the many at home things to do out there, but this is an amazing company if you are into the subject!

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B.G.

answers from Miami on

Hi V., I haven't read the other responses but I am sure I am probably repeating the same thing. I put my daughter in pre-school when she turned three and she spent a whole year sick...she would come home with colds, ear infections, bronchitis, u name it. It was getting to the point that I thought there was something wrong with her immune system but by the time she went into vpk she was ok. She is 5 now and in kinder, she still gets sick but only once in a while nothing compared to before... I guess she built up her immunity. I also know that it was very hard for me to put her in school, I felt so guilty and I missed her so much everyday but now she loves it, she has learned so much and she looks forward to going to play with her friends, so try to keep her in school, it gets easier, I promise!

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R.L.

answers from Tampa on

I am so sorry to hear that your little one has been sick so much. What a lot of people don't know is the products they use can cause a lot more harm then good. If you are open and are interested in health and wellness contact me thru my website at: www.AtHomeMomz.com
I am partnered with a 23 year old health and wellness company that has the BBB Hall of Fame award and many other awesome credentials. I look forward to hearing from you and wish you many blessings in your search :-)

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T.A.

answers from Tampa on

V., yes, i went through the whole thing last year with my son. since i am unemployed i was able to take my son out, and he has been with me at home ever since. i guess, it might be tough for you to do since your working, unless if there might be any family members that can watch your daughter, instead of doing daycare?

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E.B.

answers from Tampa on

Have you looked into any home businesses or direct sales? I sell Mary Kay and I feel it is a great business because you can work from home and you create your own hours- -you can work around your daughter's schedule if you like because you are your own boss. Many of the people in my unit are stay/work at home moms. Right now is a great time to start because the company has discounted the cost to start. Please let me know if you are interested in more information. www.marykay.com/elizabeth3 ###-###-####

I hope your daughter gets better. I know it is tough to comfort sick kids.

E.

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B.T.

answers from Jacksonville on

It's either going to happen now or when she starts elementary school. Children have to build up their immune system and this happens through triggering immune responses (getting sick). We've done ourselve's a horrible disservice with the antibacterial soaps and overuse (and improper use) of antibiotics. I'm quite certain we wouldn't be seeing the number of systemic allergies and such if we just let nature take it's course sometimes. A little dirt never hurt anyone (unless it had roundworm eggs in it...but that's a different topic).

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K.R.

answers from Sarasota on

I know how frustrating it must be. I have done a work-at-home job in transcription. If you are a fast, accurate typist, this is a pretty good job.

http://www.speakwrite.com/TypistNav/Employment/index.cfm

Good luck. Hope she feels better. If she wasn't in daycare before, this might just be her first exposure to all this and it will slow down as her immune system catches up with it all.

K.

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H.B.

answers from Tampa on

Can she go to a small in home daycare? Maybe with fewer kids it would breed less illness... Another very important thing is to be very aware of what she is eating/ drinking.... Avoid processed foods ( boxed, packaged foods with lots of powders, flavors, colors).... These cause lots of problems with many many kids by making their immune system work harder to handle the way these crappy foods affects the body, hence they have a compromised immune system that is already to busy to then fight sickness. Feed lots of whole foods- fresh fruits and veggies, lots of water and avoid junk food, fast foods and things with added sugars. This will really help your little one to stay healthy, be able to better fight off illness and heal faster if she dies get sick. You should check out Dr Sears books on good kid nutrition....one is called the family nutrition book and the other is called NDD- Nutrional Deficit Disorder. This one really gives awesome pointers about keeping the immune system in tip top shape!!! Best wishes for you both!

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A.G.

answers from Orlando on

I'm not sure abou the work from home part, I would love to find something myself. In the meantime, I would suggest you build up her immune system. Give her vitamins and especially vitamin c. Also, when she comes home from school wash her face, eyes, ears and inside the nose with baby shampoo. My pediatrician had told me about this when my kids were younger and they were constantky getting sick and getting eachother sick, back and forth. I am doing this now with all the swine flu and things going around. I do this myself as well to avoid getting sick. So simple, but IT WORKS! Keep all the germs out and add vitamin c to her diet.

Good luck!!

A.

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K.C.

answers from Tampa on

Hi V.... I completely understand your situation. I have a 5yr old and 2 1/2 year old, both boys. I'm sure you will get lots of suggestions on how to be a work from home mom. I can tell you that I have worked from home since both boys were born. I am so blessed. I also work hard, when I work. I am a Sales Director with Mary Kay and we are currently running a special for October when you start your own business. We are not a "get rich quick company" and it does require working, but you can make money in our company and be the one who raises your child, thus preventing exposure to constant illness. If you would like to hear more, I would really like to share some info. You can contact me or check out my website www.marykay.com/kbranch2. Best of luck to you and your search for something better. :)

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C.L.

answers from Tallahassee on

there is a website which is free to post and also has care providers on it..so you could look at peoples profiles and see if you would rather have some one watch her out of your home or there home..Its www.Care.com..thats what I would recommend.I worked in daycare for 2 and a half years and I had to quit due to getting sick all the time.I hope this helps

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L.L.

answers from Orlando on

I wanted to give you "a litte" piece of mind... My daughter started daycare when she was 18 months old and was sick CONSTANTLY. Taking her out of daycare was not an option for me. The Dr told me that kids who are in daycare as young kids get sick alot but once they start kindergarden they don't get sick as much because their immune systems have been built up. It's the opposite for kids who don't go to daycare- they are healthy when they are younger but come school time and they are sick allll the time. Speaking from experience, that is totally true. My daughter is 7 and in the 2nd grade now - from Kindergarden throuh now she has maybe gotten sick 2 or 3 times. (in 3 years). I know it's tough. Hopefully you will be able to come up with something to keep her out of daycare if that's what you choose - but like I said that wasn't an option for me. good luck!

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B.K.

answers from Tallahassee on

I have info about health more than work from home ideas:
Have her take probiotics every day (acidopholus, etc.)These are available at health food stores in the fridge. Get a powdered version you can mix in her drink or get a chewable kid version.
Limit sugar intake. Eliminate if possible, for a while. I know that's hard cuz toddlers are sugar junkies.
Eliminate or avoid dairy for a while. Lopts of snotty, cold, ear ache, cough etc, is related to not being able to digest dairy well and then they get all mucusy and then colds grow in their snot.
Be very consistent about sleep.
Give her elderberry. We like a chewable one called SambuActin from the brand Solaray. It also has vitamin C. We take it daily to prevent colds.
Good luck!

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L.M.

answers from Boca Raton on

Hi V.--
Two words for you: Juice Plus!!! When my four-year old daughter was two, she was sick ALL the time. I was so frustrated. A friend of mine turned me on to the Juice Plus gummies and she has rarely been sick since. They are all-natural consisting of 17 fruits, vegetables & grains. They give the body the nutrition that mother nature intended unlike a synthetic multivitamin. Anyway, they have really boosted my daughter's immune system so much that I became a distributor. Check out my site if you wish: www.lisamurphyjuiceplus.com or call me anytime at ###-###-####.

Good luck,
L. Murphy

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J.D.

answers from Tampa on

talk to other parents about having a clean up day at the daycare, everyone bring Lysol, Lysol Wipes and more! Soak toys that are able to be soaked in a tub with bleach & water. Wipe down EVERYTHING and spray toys that cannot be wiped down. Talk to the teachers about washing hands AND using hand sanitizer BEFORE and After EVERY snack & meal. All parents should provide 1 can of lysol a month to have the teachers spray the rooms at the end of every day. BE PROACTIVE !!!!!!!!

There will be ABSOLUTELY NO difference between full time and part time care if the daycare facility is dirty or the teachers aren't having the kids practice proper hygene - your child will continue to get sick.

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