What to Do If Your Child Misses a Birthday Party Because He Is Sick

Inevitably, most children will miss a friend’s birthday party because they got sick or came down with a contagious illness. It can be very difficult to explain to a young child why she can’t go to someone’s party. Instead of worrying about making other kids sick, your child will focus on what she is missing (this self-centered behavior is completely normal in young children). One way to handle this situation is to call the birthday girl’s parents and ask them to save a little piece of the party for your child. They can keep a few decorations, a goody bag, and two pieces of cake and ice cream. Then, when your child has recovered, she can go to her friend’s house with her present and they can have a mini-party together.

 —Howard J. Bennett, M.D.