Playdate Pet Peeve

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As parents, we strive to provide entertainment, education and social fun for our children. When I became a mom I found out the importance of a playdate. Not only is it an opportunity for your child to learn to socialize with friends through play but it is a chance for you to also have a bit of a social break from the daily pressures of parenthood.

Although as a new germaphobic parent, I avoided the indoor play centers more than telemarketers, I discovered how this type of a place could be a great area for my child to stay active while I could chat with friends as I supervised his play. It became a popular spot for my friends and I to meet. I stocked up on my anti-bacterial gel and looked forward to it.

That is except for the months that I completely avoided them, October through February, cold and flu season. I know that sick kids are around all year long but these months tend to be the worst and some parents just don’t seem to be considerate when it comes to illnesses.

I found that just about every one of my friends had similar experiences to mine when it came to playdates.

I was having a good time until I spotted the child on the slide with the snotty nose while his mother was near him, but on her cellphone. I began to gag as I saw him wipe his nose and smear the germs all over the bright plastic side of the slide.

I gently tapped his mother's arm to get her attention. “Excuse me, I think your son needs a tissue,” I said as I handed her one from my own supply, along with an anti-bacterial wipe.

“Thanks,” she said, not interrupting her phone conversation. “Allergies," she added.

I didn’t even nod to pretend to agree. Oh, your son has allergies, that's why he has heavy green snot dripping out of his nose on top of the crusty snot that has already dried?

Yeah, allergies tend to produce that hacking, phlegmy cough that he has too. Grab your kids, it’s time to go.

Believe me, I know the importance of getting a break. But parents, please be considerate of others. Don’t take your sick kids out to public places if you don’t absolutely need to.

This goes for childcare facilities too. Daily child care, I tend to understand more because people need to work but they don't need to work out.

Everyone loves to get their workout in but if your kids are sick, don’t take them. It is sad that childcare facilities have to post rules that parents cannot bring their kids if they have fevers, or noses that run with substances that are not clear, and other very obvious signs that illnesses are present. The world would be a better place if people would be more considerate of others.

Edited by Malu Banuelos

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Anonymous

I definitely agree about the germ pits that those indoor play centers can be. My family recently vacationed in Disney World and 3 out of the 4 of us returned home sick. If you are looking to schedule playdates easily, check out www.playdateplanet.com. It will be launching after Thanksgiving as an online place for simple playdate planning. It's the stress-free way to play!

November 14, 2011 - 9:29pm

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