Sick dilemma...

Normally I wouldnt even consider going out when the kids are sick for fear of "infecting others" but I dont know what to do today so any advice is appreciated!!

DD, DS and myself have colds, DD also has an ear infection and DS is absolutely miserable BUT today is our last playgroup before we leave town next week and we had planned on having a birthday cake for DS there. It will be DD's last chance to say goodbye to a lot of her friends and I really dont want her to miss out.

Unfortunately I have no-one to babysit as they all have kids! And it is impossible for DH to come home (today is his last day at work and he had to come home yesterday to help us out).

So what do I do??? Do I go and warn everyone we are sick and keep away as much as possible, perhaps only staying a short time?

TIA/

We generally would go if its just a cold and DS was mostly his usual self.
How bad is the cold, is it something you'd keep him out of kindy for if he was older? (At DS' daycare they can go if its just a cold and theres no temp, as long as they aren't totally miserable)
How upset is your DS? Can you call anyone from playgroup and see what they think?
If they other parents are ok with it i'd go an stay a short time.

Its a pretty bad cold and DD has had a fever (in fact we kept her home yesterday from library etc) but according to the doc the fever is due to an ear infection. But DD is pretty much her usual self this morning.

DS is very tired - he was up every half an hour- to an hour last night struggling to breathe...very whingy/clingy etc.

Totally understandable Jelvie... and normally I wouldnt even consider it, but like I said this is our last playgroup before leaving town and I think DD needs some closure hence my dilemma. ;)

How well do you and your DD know the adults there, and would your DD stay at playgroup without you?

I didn't think ear infections were contagious (not suggesting anyone implied they are, and maybe they are but I don't know?? :) ) would you let her to stay there with out you, even for 30mins? This depends on who else is there, how well you know them etc..

DS goes with my mum to playgroup on Tuesdays, and 2 other relos go with their kids, so he's gone before without mum, but its different when there are family there.

ETA: happy belated birthday Alexander!

Id probably go and just stay for a short while. If its just a cold, i dont normally mind the kids being around it cos, so you could probably say that you cant stay for long cos you are all sick but had to come and say goodbye, no doubt some mums will say dont be silly..its just a cold. I think its important for you all to be able to get the chance to say goodbye.

Jo

I missed Mothers Group Wed because I was recovering from a cold and DD has just gotten one and when I had my MCHN appointment yesterday got the 3rd degree (apparently because it was CPR but hey, I'm a nurse and used to teach First Aid!). Apparently another Mum went although she had a cold but kept away from the others. SO, my point is, do what YOU are comfortable with. What would the other Mum's say if you went?
On a side note, I moved a lot as a kid and often missed out on saying goodbye to friends (for various reasons) and really resented it. So, if you didn't want to venture out with DS - is there anyone who could take DD for you? Being able to say goodbye will really help the transition and provide closure like you already said.