Scared for Kindergarten

Outside of my SIL watching our boys until they were 4 months, they have never been to daycare, preschool etc. I'm nervous about them starting Kindergarten and all the germs they'll be exposed to (the poll about how often your kids are at the doctor reminded me of this). I'm certainly not a germaphobe, but are they more likely to catch everyone's colds and stuff because they're not really exposed to it at home? I'll still ahve 3 kids at home when they start school, and now I'm getting nervous I'll always have a house full of sick kids.

 

I was nervous about the same when K&K first went to preschool. They had only ever been with me and I was thinking I was in for a challenging year. We actually did fine, sure we had a couple colds during the year but we probably would have had those anyway. Kyle missed school one day in Feb the first year and Kayla missed one in Jan this second year and (knock knock) we have actually not had any illness at all in our house since the first week in Jan which I think is pretty amazing with preschoolers. K&K have learned some great hygiene tips both from me and school and I know the teachers work very hard with the children on how to keep their germs to themselves as best as possible. I think they are doing a great job! I also think the fact that they are soo rigid in their routine (sleep/eat) helps alot with their immune system.

 

They build up an immunity to things. I know I sure did when I was a teacher. Actually my DD is in K now and has only missed one day due to strep throat. She has never been to daycare, but did go to preschool for 2 years.

 

Abby and Lilly are in Kindergarten this year and did one year of pre-school. I was also VERY worried about us being sick all the time...honestly we did have a month or so of passing a cold around the house at the start of both school years. It got better though and we've had very few illnesses since. We are chronic hand washers around here...I think it helps a lot...Abby and Lilly know that the first thing they do when they get home is to wash their hands. Their kindergarten teacher also has talked to the class about washing hands. HTH!! It’ll all be okay!!!

 

The first year we started attending the library reading program they caught 5 or 6 colds, but the next year only one or two. With each exposure, their immune systems get stronger and they catch fewer things. Exposure is how immune systems learn to fight things off.

 

I'm sure they'll probably bring things home, but since they are not toddlers are infants, they have some immunity built up already. I think they'll be okay and I'm sure there are plenty of children just like them that haven't been in daycare or preschool.