DEAR ABBY: What do I do when relatives show up to family gatherings with sick children? We recently hosted a family party in our home. My sister-in-law arrived with an obviously sick child in tow. I am pregnant and have a 2-year-old son. Now my child and I are sick.
This isn't the first time something like this has happened. How should I handle this in the future without starting World War III? -- SICK OF GERMS IN ARKANSAS
DEAR SICK OF GERMS: Here's how I'd handle it: I'd talk to all the in-laws. I would explain that my 2-year-old and I caught whatever the child had, and tell them I don't want it to happen again. Then I would add that in the future, I do not want anyone to come over if they or one of their children is sick. That's not an unreasonable request. Because, regrettably, not all children are vaccinated these days, you are lucky you didn't catch something that could have put your unborn child at risk.
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
Abby didn't answer the LW's question which was how to handle the situation when someone shows up with a sick child. You can tell everyone ahead of time not to, but what do you do when it happens anyway?
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
My brother brought his kids every other weekend, no matter what.
Can't tell you how many times he showed up with a sick kid.
But, he didn't really have a choice.
Family gatherings are different, though.
But, there isn't a whole lot you can do.
I taught my kids from a very, very young age not to touch their face without first washing their hands. It helped.
But, what else can you do?
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I think I would do what Abby suggested, and tell the in-laws their kid made us sick and ask them right then to PLEASE never bring a sick child over again. Do it directly but politely and brooking no argument. And then if they did show up, I'd look at them and say, "I thought I asked you not to come sick? If you are going to stay, he'll need to go lie down, I don't want him playing with the other children."
Why are grown adults incapable of speaking up for themselves?
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
I think I would do what Abby suggested, and tell the in-laws their kid made us sick and ask them right then to PLEASE never bring a sick child over again. Do it directly but politely and brooking no argument. And then if they did show up, I'd look at them and say, "I thought I asked you not to come sick? If you are going to stay, he'll need to go lie down, I don't want him playing with the other children."
Why are grown adults incapable of speaking up for themselves?
Because they don't want to offend anyone, as if that should be a consideration.
__________________
Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
I think I would do what Abby suggested, and tell the in-laws their kid made us sick and ask them right then to PLEASE never bring a sick child over again. Do it directly but politely and brooking no argument. And then if they did show up, I'd look at them and say, "I thought I asked you not to come sick? If you are going to stay, he'll need to go lie down, I don't want him playing with the other children."
Why are grown adults incapable of speaking up for themselves?
Because they don't want to offend anyone, as if that should be a consideration.
Standing up for yourself is only offensive when people know they screwed up.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
