To keep kids home from school with a cold...?

[Mumshame]

Because I'm having a bad mental health day, everyone is tired and snotty, we are late already and I just can't face the battle of getting them there with a head full of snot? I'm a single parent and feel like I'm just broken.

I’m sorry to hear you’re having a bad day

If you’re all poorly — you’re poorly. If this is a one-off and not a habit… Have a duvet day and get better.

I would say your not reasonable if the kids are too unwell for school but your message makes it sound like it’s for your mental health. If they are well enough for school they need to go. If needs be, make yourself a coffee, take some paracetamol, give yourself 10 minutes peace and then take them. Better late than never.

But if they are not well enough for school then keep them at home.

It's both. They're tired, cranky, snotty and so am I. I don't mean mental health like a diagnosed condition, I'm just stressed, exhausted, burned out. In need of a duvet day.

Would it not be easier for you to take that duvet day if the kids were at school?

It's hard because that alone would make me send them in but you say they have colds so it depends on how they actually are

I think kids are mega stressed out, anxious and exhausted too. We all are. Then the cold is like the cherry on top of a well iced cake.

@Mumshame

I think kids are mega stressed out, anxious and exhausted too. We all are. Then the cold is like the cherry on top of a well iced cake.

I would definitely stay home today with them then.

Stressed out and anxious children are not going to be learning focused. How old are they? Have you asked anyone for help here? Do you know why they are feeling this way?

I would say don't ask on here lol. I would and have done it. It's obviously not something you do all the time or you wouldn't be asking.

Sometimes taking care of feelings is important. As long as your kids are clear it's because they're ill for "talking to other people" reasons!

I think I'm going to do it anyway, can't really see an option because I just don't have the mental or physical energy today. I've been ill for 2.5 weeks already with one thing after another and just come off antibiotics. This cold and some big life stresses have just floored me. And I can't see how my kids are going to learn anything if they feel even half as rubbish as I do (lots of whinging and snot would suggest that's exactly how they feel). I sen to have lost sight of what is or isn't A reason to stay off these days. When my LFT came back negative I thought I would just get into getting ready mode as it's probably not covid and crack on, but instead I just sat back down and then started crying. I've had some cold and flu tablets now so hoping they might help.

If it just a common cold and no temperature then I would send them in, and just have a chilled day myself. Kids have already missed out so much, and I’m sure you would get more peace with them in school. Plus they would be tired and sleep better for you tonight .

Just stay at home. Sounds like everyone is I'll and needs some downtime. Get well soon

Single parent here

Get them to school

To be at home all day with a mum having a bad mental health day is not a positive environment.

It’s a lovely sunny day. Get them to school

* I think kids are mega stressed out, anxious*
You need to talk to the school
Urgently

@implantreplace

* I think kids are mega stressed out, anxious* You need to talk to the school Urgently

Why?

So dramatic

It depends on the age of the kids. The odd day isn't unreasonable but it would be of more benefit to you if you could get them bundled to school then go back to bed.

They are mega stressed, anxious
Their single mother says she is exhausted a and “broken”
the school won’t judge. They will support or they should

There's lots of issues going on, I am getting some help under some specialists, waiting for more. Combination of physical and mental health and neuro-diversities for the kids. Eldest is both very clever and motivated by school, and totally anxious and stressed by it. Will be both upset to miss it and relieved to not have the pressure.

I had a meeting with the SENCO yesterday and waiting for a referral for anxiety and eating issues, and another one for Autism/ADHD screening. It's been a long wait for the latter already, and anxiety and eating issues escalating. I feel like I am holding her together all the time, and younger one with additional needs as well.

I would do it. In fact id keep everyone at home till monday. If theyve soldiered on all week with a cold and now youre feeling like this, i think it will do you all good

I've rung in now. I don't think we are badly ill, but ill enough that we need some rest. I keep pushing everyone to go in, and then we usually end up getting secondary infections and not getting better for ages. I hate them missing days though. Makes me feel like I'm failing.

How old are they?

Hey @Mumshame, I hope you are all feeling a bit better. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate atm. In general school is so very important if that is part of your kids usual week (not home schooled or alternatively schooled) but I think you were right not to send them in today. Please don't feel shame about it.... some days bunging a pizza in the oven and watching TV snuggled up together, telling your kids they are loved and teaching them to be intune with their bodies and emotions is very valid. Sending love your way

Everyone has been much worse since. I'm glad I kept us home as we are properly ill now. Making the most of Disney+ and freezer tapas for dinner.

Thanks everyone