Both of my daughters (they're twins and in the same class at school) have been invited to a birthday party tomorrow. Tonight one of my girls threw up twice. I suspect she has the stomach bug that's been floating around the school. I know at least two other kids in her class who missed some time this week and last because of a stomach/puking illness.
My question is this... do I still take my one healthy daughter to the birthday party? Or is it bad form because everyone will assume she's already been exposed to the germs and will get everyone at the party sick? I hate to make her stay home - this is her closest friend and they've both been looking forward to this b'day party for weeks. And knowing my kids, it's not a guarantee that when one gets sick the other will too. But how would you feel if one healthy child came to a party while her sick sister stayed home?
In case it matters, most of the kids at the party will be from another class... so who knows if they've already been exposed to the stomach bug.
Thanks all. My sick girl ended up puking throughout the night, but my healthy one woke up in a great mood and super excited about the birthday party. So the sickie stayed home with my husband (who was more than happy to miss the party) and my healthy one and I went to the party. She did great... had a blast... brought home a goodie bag and a fairy wand for her sister, and was just generally the happiest child alive. By the time we got home, my sickie was almost back to normal, so hopefully it was just a 24 hour bug and none of the rest of us will catch it!
I would hate to know that. But to be honest, the other kids are likely exposed to something. We all are exposed to stuff way more than we realize. But I would not do it.
I would call and ask the mom hosting the party what she thinks about it. Follow her lead.
Why don't you see how they both feel in the morning. Sometimes it is a short illness and they will be fine tomorrow. Or the other will be sick tomorrow, too. Also, if one stayed home and the other came to my party, I wouldn't think twice about it. They aren't going to know what she is sick with.
Nope if she is fine then let her go. It is wonderful of you to care though, I must say. Very considerate, but if your daughter is healthy now then take her. How many kids go to functions and the next day they are sick. It isn't like you intensionally exposed someone. It is going around and they can get it from anyone. I have parents who send their kids to my daycare loaded up with Tylenol and sick as dogs and I have to send them home, meantime they have infected all of their classmates. I wish more mom's were as considerate as you. Let her enjoy the party!
See what the morning brings-but let the well daughter go and come home with a goody bag for Sissy to cheer her. I hope she feels better in the morning!
If someone vomits, they are contagious for at least 24 hours after....just like if they have a fever. Your daughter who is ill would not have been allowed to go to school or be in a child care setting after vomiting. I would not send her to the party. If the other daughter does not show any signs of illness AND the other mom is comfortable with it, I would feel okay sending her. I would definitely ask the other mom though. It would be a bummer if neither girl could go, but you don't want to get the other kids sick (esp with a stomach bug) or make the other families uncomfortable for a party. The girls can always have a special get-together at a later date if they are too sick to attend the party.
I agree that if it's going around the school, the other kids have likely already been exposed as well. If your other daughter feels fine in the morning and doesn't show sign of illness, take her. Chances are if you keep her home, she'll be perfectly healthy and will be sad she missed her friend's party.
If there was school tomorrow would you keep the healthy twin at home? No. That would be silly. There is no reason for her to skip her events tomorrow.
The other kids will have already been exposed - most proobably.
See how your healthy daughter feels and send her if she's good.
Given that there are now parents hosting Chicken Pox parties, I think you can send a healthy child, albeit exposed, to a party. We're all potentially carriers of wherever we've been.
Oh let her go. And if the other one is feeling fine let her go too. If the bug is in the school the kids have all been exposed and your daughter is not going to infect the rest of them.
No problem if 1 goes, I wouldn't think. I notice from your profile that the girls are 4 years old...old enough to wash hands, cover mouths and understand not to share drinks/food. You don't have to announce that she's puking, just saying she wasn't feeling great and was sorry she couldn't make it. That said, if your other DD starts feeling ill AT ALL, I'd keep her home too.
Let her go. Just tell her to keep her hands washed and cover her mouth if she coughs. If one twin is sick it don't mean the other is too, they have two different immune systems. Let her have fun. :)
