Hello my just turned 2 yr old started preschool/daycare last Wednesday. Over the weekend he started with a runny nose. Today he went back and now has a cough, sounds horrible. I can't believe it's July and he has a cold! They told me he would likely get sick more in the start. Due to the fact he's never been around children aside from his soon to be 1 yr old brother. They also told me this will help to build immunity as his is most likely low since he has little to no exposure to other children. This is absolutley horrible as we fought all winter many ear infections and colds. I'm wondering if I should pull him out till he's older? This is July and he's getting sick, I can only imagine what flu season will hold! Or....will this build him up for the oncoming flu season? He's had so many health problems. He failed 2 yr checkup and it was suggested for me to get him involved with other children. By trying to help me with his speech and development am I hurting him health wise??????
***He failed his "M check" I believe is what the ped. called it. He babbles to much and I do have an appt. for Early Intervention to come out. His ped suggested that I get him involved with other children. This school seemed to offer so much. Plus other means if he needs extra help. Also they are willing to work with his ped. and early intervention. That's why I decided to do this. It was a very hard choice...more for me because I didn't want him away from me. However, I want to do whats best for my son so he doesn't end up behind. My husband and I both had problems in school and I don't ever want my kids to go through what we did! Believe me It's hard especially when I drop him off and he's reaching out to me...I just want to run to him and take him home! Tomorrow will be his 4th day and usually till I get to the car I have tears! He goes Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 - 5. Seems like such a long day but they felt he would benefit more this way.***
Hi mommies.....thank you so very much for your input! I wanted to let you know that it went better today when I dropped him off. I was able to leave without him seeing me. He seems to do better when I can leave without him seeing me. He is still sick, but not any worse. Now his little brother has it and I think daddy and I are getting it to. I'd like to have some more input on the herbal methods. Also I believe one or more of you mentioned about some over the counter meds. I thought it was unsafe to give to children? I was out looking at some of the products and all said not to use on children under 5, some 12yrs of age? I have been giving him some benadryl which seems to dry him up. I've seen different peds. and they seem to have different views on otc medications ( most are against it ). Thanks again and any other advice or input I would love to hear from you!
A.,
This is common when moving them to daycare. My son started daycare at 17 months. He had a few runny noses, but overall remained healthy, even when the majority of the class was ill. He has never gotten the flu and I have refused to get a flu shot each year, despite the pushing of his pediatrician.
I am a SAHM mom and my kids (7 & 5) have been more sick this summer than all of fall and winter combined. When I took them to the Dr. she said she is in fact seeing more sick kids this summer than usual. Strange. I am attributing it to the cold rainy weather we have had. So maybe give it a little more time.
ALso-he is going to have to be involved with other kids at some point so I would say maybe try it for a while longer because you would rather address this now than have him miss most of first grade because he is sick.
As a teacher, mother of two, and daughter of a nurse, my suggestion is to keep him in school now so he can develop his immunity before the winter flue season starts. There are hundreds of cold and flu viruses, and we never et the same one twice. You are not hurting your son's health by exposing him to other children.
Have you heard of the studies that have shown that children in the countryside, exposed to all sorts of gems and ick, are much healthier than their counterparts raised in cities without all the exposure to germs? It's the same concept for kids in school.
I know having a sick kid is horrible, and you have my sympathies. Just know, this will happen whenever he starts school (even if you wait till he's 5!). I use a lot of homeopathic remedies that really help to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold, plus a baby rub on my kids chest for the cough and congestion.
Good luck!
Unfortunately this is common when you put your child in daycare... doesn't matter if they start at 2 months, 10 months, or 2 years. If you pull him out of daycare, it will just happen the next time you start him in again... or it will just happen in Kindergarten.
It is very sad, and you feel helpless, but in the end, they really do build up immunities. Obviously you want to check and see if the daycare is doing all that it can to avoid the spread of germs (hand washing, teaching to cover mouths when coughing, etc.) but in general there isn't much you can do. If he needs to stay home a day or two to recover - that will help him, but if you pull him out entirely, then you'll just have to start over the next time he joins an organized group of little kids.
Good luck!
First, talk to your pediatrician and see if they think he is experiencing an unusual number of illnesses. It is normal for a child to get sick more often when they first start preschool b/c their immune system is not used to fighting off frequent exposure to germs. As his immune system learns to respond more effectively, he will get sick less often. This happens to most children when they enter a setting with many children for the first time - weather it is preschool or kindergarden. As for the ear infection, children under 2 are more prone to them b/c their eustation tube are relatively horizontal, fluid does not drain well and presents a good environment for bacteria to grow in. As children grow, the tubes become more verticle and drain better.
If your son "failed" his two year check up b/c of developemental delays, therapy may be a better approach than prescool. Good Sheppard and Moss are excellent rehab faci,lities; CHoP and Geisinger specialize in pediatrics.
good luck
This is not at all uncommon. Children who go to daycare have more colds/coughs, etc. than kids who stay home with mom -- and they have fewer colds/coughs, etc., as adults.
My question has nothing to do with colds and coughs, however,. If you aren't working, why do you want your child in preschool at age 2 ? I wouldn't start that kind of program until your child is at least 3. (unless of course, YOU want the time to have only one child underfoot. That I TOTALLY understand.)
I think your child would be better off taking swimming lessons or something like that.
Since your son had a lot of ear infections throughout the winter, you might consider asking your pediatrician if he could be a candidate for ear tubes (especially if the infections start up again this fall). The tubes can be extremely helpful for children who are prone to ear infections. Otherwise, I agree with what someone said about it being better to have him getting sick a lot now than when he starts elementary school. If you don't feel comfortable with the preschool/daycare situation, you could try involving him in some different kinds of activities with other children (playgroups, weekly library storytimes, etc.) But I wouldn't recommend keeping him isolated from other kids, because you will have to get through this stage of constant exposure to germs sooner or later, plus he needs some opportunities to learn how to interact well with his peers.
Did you ever think of building up his system by using herbal methods? Echinacea is good to give at the very beginning of a cold, etc. And from Wal-Mart we buy fruit-flavored vitamin C's which my children just love. We just keep this type of thing on hand, so at the first signs of sickness we start this regimen. For ear infection I found a superb recipe:
13 drops olive oil
Contents of 1 softgel vitamin E (Wal-Mart)
Contents of 1 softgel garlic (Wal-Mart)
When my children complain of earache, I put these drops in their ears, then massage at the base of their ear to make sure that it has reached clear down to the bottom of the canal. I mix this up in quantity and just keep it on hand for when we need it. It has saved various rounds of the harmful side effects of antibiotics and some dr. visits.
age is 2 is the same age that i started my twins in daycare and they are know 10 year old boys that have made it threw many years of school with very few days out. If the program is only a couple of days a week, then he should be ok. The immune sytme needs to build, minor colds are ok, it is when the colds become to big that it becomes a proublem.
Also with the older one in school he will bring things home and might give it to the little one, Which in the end can help that one also. I also went threw the many ear infections before they started in daycare and that seemed to drift off.
Is there time off between program runs? Like a normal school cycle? That will help him also. U don't want him sick all year around.
Are you hurting your child healthwise? I don't think so. Knowing what my kids and my nieces/nephews have experienced, they are destined to get sick whether you start them in a group setting at 2, 3, 4, 5. It doesn't matter. I, too, have heard that them getting these illnesses now will often make them more resistent to getting them later on in life.
Will his immunity build up by the next cold/flu season? Most likely not. Again, what I have seen is constant or near constant colds, sniffles, etc for a few years etc as long as they are in a group setting. I believe it takes years to build up immunity.
If you aren't comfortable with this situation you could find some alternatives that don't meet as often and may have fewer kids: playdates with friends or join a playgroup, library programs, etc. Good luck to you. Hope your little one feels better.
Personally I think two is a bit young for this program I would wait until he's three. If you are looking for socialization for him try to find a play group that meets a few times a month. I would wait until he is three for the preschool. If he has had a lot of health issues keep him out. It may be better until he's older and his immune system is stronger. Submitting him to other germs is not necessarily the best way to improve his immune system. Ear infections are very common in children 2 and under because of the straightness of their ear canals. Once they are over 2 and above they start to develop more of a curve to help in preventing ear infections. This may take longer in some children.
Take him to the doctor to make sure he does not have the croup. The croup sounds very barky and can wake them up when they sleep. If it manifests it could turn into an ear infection. I went through this with my almost two year old son. He started getting sick when he went to the baby sitter but seems to be holding his own. Try some zyrtec when he goes to sleep this seems to help my son sleep better and his nose is not as runny.Do not feel old. I am fourty and this is my one and only. You learn as you go along. Do not pull him out of day care. In the long run your son will thrive and his immune system with build up some tolerance.
I know my son got sick quite a bit when he first started daycare. I know it is scary when they are sick but is going to happen. He will get sick during cold/flu season too but it won't be as bad as you're probably thinking right now. Give it some time and take your dr.s advice as far as how to treat him when he is sick.
I know it's hard to drop him off but it is only his 4th day. I would not recommend taking him out and pulling the plug on this just yet. It is way too soon to see any of the benefits but they will be there. It takes time for them to adjust. I would say that if after 4 - 6 full weeks he still doesn't seem to be adjusted at all you may want to rethink if this is the best thing. If your dr. recommended this you should stick with it. It's normal for some crying in the fist week.
You are doing the right thing. We all get sick when introduced to unfamiliar environments. He is just adapting to the new things around him. My son started daycare at age 2 also, and he had a number of colds/runny noses the first year. He's almost 6 now, and hasn't had a cold in almost a year. Realize that being sick is part of growing up and that when your son goes on to something new, be it sports, scouts, camp, and especially school, he will get sick from the new environment. Give him fluids, time to rest, a little bit of meds if he's especially uncomfy, and lots and lots of love, and he'll be just fine!
If you could find a smaller group of little friends I am sure there would be fewer germs. Perhaps a smaller preschool setting (without the daycare component) or a community playgroup. You may have limited preschool selection due to his age as most classes begin at age 3. I have taught over 600 children in the past 24 years (total numbers of students are high since children in my settings attended 2-3 days a week and I taught 5 days a week). Children with past health problems can catch up developmentally, so don't be discouraged! They are resilient. In any case, the germs in a day care come with the territory. As a mom of 5, I have found, if something is not feeling right for your child- and you really feel that way- you should follow your feeling and do something. I hope this helps a little.
HI A.,
I'll bet you're not as "old and inexperienced" as I was at 39 when I had my son! LOL
My son was cared for by me, my husband, or my parents since he was an infant.
When he started a 2 morning per week nursery school, he started getting everything that came down the pike, so I think it's normal. It's like they ALL get it, pass it around and start all over again. My son is going to first grade this fall and kindergarten was better than pre-school, pre-school was better than nursery school. The immune system does build over time.
I know you have developmental reasons for putting him in the school but maybe you could find something half days a few times per week and kind of ease into it (socially, medically, etc.). If he'll be getting other services, add some library groups, etc. Just a thought. At 3, my son cried for about a week, maybe 2 and then he was fine. It's normal. I thought they should have had traveling counselors going from mom to mom though! LOL We take it hardest when they spread their little wings. Hang tough.
part of growing up at times and yes colds can be year round. You also said he had colds and infections while at home.
Did you have his hearing checked? you mentioned ear infections.
Is he getting speech therapy and other developmental therapy? I go to good shepherd.
why did he fail his checkup? ability to relate to other kids?
Hi A.! Relax, when kids are together they share...germs more than any toy! No matter when you start daycare or school the first few months are totally trying when it comes to colds. All you really can do is stock up on kleanx, dinatapp cold, or keep your Dr's phone number on speed dial. When I had my oldest my Dr. told me to be prepared to be sick myself a lot more...that she would get the sniffles and I would end up much sicker. Boy was he right, and she went to a babysitter not a daycare. We went through the same "sick time" that you are going through when she first started pre-school when she was 4. Your best bet is to follow your Dr's advice and listen to your instincts (don't go into panic "I'm doing it WRONG" mode!). Is he having a good time? Is he learning how to make friends, to get along in a group? Look past the summer cold and ya know, it could just be seasonal allergies! Best wishes.
I agree with some of the other people that you could find a smaller group of children if you want to put him in a program where he's socializing with other kids. He'll still get sick sometimes but not as often. I wouldn't worry that you're hurting him health wise unless he's getting so many ear infections that he's on antibiotics non-stop. My ODS stopped getting ear infections around when he turned 2 so I would think he'd stop getting them soon but you probably need a period of time when he doesn't get them so that his ears heal fully. The other thing you need to consider is his younger brother - he'll get everything he brings home.
Hello, i am a mother of a 3 1/2 year old. She is my only child and has not been around other children very much. I also have the same problem, everytime she is able to play with another child she gets sick. Its very scary because as a mother, you always think the worst like meningitis or something. I think that pulling your child out of daycare would just hurt him in the end because eventually he will HAVE to be around children alot. and it does help to have him socializing before school so that he does not feel insecure when he is around alot of other children. It definately builds self confidence to be able to socialize before school. My best advice is to #1, get him the flu shot, and maybe it will help. #2, Give him alot of fresh fruits and vegetables (especially orange juice)to help build his immune system. Also there is a new drink out called Juicy Juice Immunity that will help to build his immune system. and you can also try a multivitamin like flintstones.
I agree with all the other moms-- it's sick now or sick later. (That's my pediatrician's quote.) And better now, when he isn't missing school. At 2 you can teach him good hygiene (hand washing, covering his mouth, etc), but he's going to be sick. All the time. Kids get 8-10 colds a year, and each cold lasts about 2 weeks-- which means almost half they year they are sick. My son is almost 2 and this summer we have finally gotten a couple months break, but he's been in daycare since he was 3 months old.
I am a big believer in probiotics-- they will help his immune system (once he has one, lol). And they are god-sends once the antibiotics start. Yo Baby yogurt is a great source of them, and I use FlorAStore kids when he's on antibiotics to manage the GI side effects.
Kids need to be around other kids, and other adults. I am a HUGE believer in at least some daycare. It's good for everyone. He'll be fine, but you are going to have lots of colds to deal with. Good luck!
Hi A.,
Listen to your heart. Take him out of school. Keep him home with you until he is about 4 and then try again.
Good luck. All the Best. D.
Lets say I cant relate to you in many ways. I am old and unexperienced when I had my first child as well! Also my child had many ear infections 15 to be exact. I stayed at home until she ws 3 then put her in daycare full time to go back to work in May (figuring she would get acclimated to school and socialization) What I found out from the daycare experience was the kids all had runny noses all the time! My daughter too and after only 2 weeks she ended up getting sick twice back to back ear infection then turned into a respitory infection AFTER ONLY 2 WEEKS. I pulled her out, well, she was on anti-biotics for 10 days and she couldnt go back anyway for 24-48 hours after she got medication. I stay at home with her now and am waiting until the fall when I register for the fall pre-school programs 2 days a week for 2 and 1/2 hrs a day. I feel good about my decision and dont wanna push the situation on her and felt that full time was too much at first and she has been through the developmental delays and speech therapies due to her prematurity but has outgrown and gotten past it. But it was well worth having the therapies come to the home and having the help it made a world of difference for us! I would consider any help to get your child where they need to be. I also had her in dance class once a week there are lots of other options A..
I really can relate to your story A. and I hope you can find the answers your looking for!
S.
Hi A.-
my first suggestion is to put your baby on some probiotics to help with the immune system. that always helps whether it is an adult or child! and it will also help with thinning out mucus membranes so that sinus and lung congestion is then at a minimum. so try that and see what happens.
but you will just have to keep him there as it is true - you have to expose them to other germs to help build the immune system. if it is pristine all the time, then they get sick more often. washing hands helps. but using all the disinfection hand gels, etc will actually make it worse not better.
J.
nutrition coach
www.nutrition-in-motion.net
