Parents Lose An Average Of £843 In Earnings Per Year Caring For Their Sick Kids

Parents lose an average of £843 in earnings during the academic year - caring for their sick children, according to a study.

The research found stomach upsets, colds, fever and coughs are the most common conditions keeping kids off school.

Six in 10 (63 per cent) parents have taken time off work as a result - half a week a year on average - resulting in increased stress (37 per cent) and having to use annual leave (20 per cent).

Meanwhile, 32 per cent said their child's illness had affected a work opportunity, such as missing a deadline, turning down a project or being seen as less reliable.

A further 31 per cent have sent their kids back to school before they were fully recovered because they couldn't take more time off work, had important commitments or felt pressure from school attendance expectations.

However 35 per cent wait until their child is fully recovered before sending them back to the classroom.

The research was commissioned by Tonic Health [], which produces Kids Gummies providing 14 essential vitamins, minerals and plant-based nutrients to support children's growth, cognitive development and immune systems.

Natalie Louise Burrows, the company's Head of Nutrition, is offering advice for parents wanting to support their children's immunity as the new school year looms.

She said: "A strong immune system starts with the basics. Nutritious meals, plenty of sleep and a steady routine in the run-up to school can help kids stay fit and ready for the term ahead.

"It's understandable that many parents worry about the bugs and viruses which can spread when children return to the classroom, particularly when illness can affect family life as well as school attendance.

"While getting ill is a normal part of childhood, taking steps to support overall wellbeing ahead of a new term can help children feel ready for the year ahead."

The study of 1,000 parents of children aged 5 to 12 also found 46 per cent have worked from home while caring for a sick child and 44 per cent have relied on their partner taking time off work.

And 47 per cent were dreading the return to school because of the bugs and viruses their child could bring home - especially as 30 per cent believe their little ones are more prone to illness during term time compared to the school holidays.

Of those whose child became ill after starting school, 57 per cent said it happened within the first month of term, including 13 per cent within the first week.

In line with this, 53 per cent are concerned about the number of illnesses their child experiences each year, with youngsters typically getting four colds over a 12-month period.

As such, almost all (96 per cent) agree maintaining a strong immune system is important in helping children have a successful school term.

In preparation for the new term, 61 per cent spent the most time getting school uniforms ready, while 36 per cent focused on new shoes and 32 per cent on restoring sleep routines.

But only 26 per cent said immune support or vitamins were among the things they spent the most time preparing before school restarted.

Although 55 per cent plan to support their child's immune system proactively before term begins, 20 per cent don't have a specific approach in mind.

The poll, carried out through OnePoll, also found before taking part in the study, 47 per cent were aware of NHS guidelines which recommend children aged one to four should take a daily vitamin D supplement year-round.

While older children should consider taking one during autumn and winter when sunlight levels are lower.

But 55 per cent said their child took a vitamin D supplement containing a minimum of 10ug during the autumn and winter months - either every day or on some days.

Natalie Louise Burrows, from Tonic Health, added: "Many parents spend weeks preparing uniforms, shoes and school supplies, but supporting a child's health deserves just as much attention before term starts.

“Simple habits such as consistent bedtimes, daily activities and balanced meals containing key nutrients can all help support normal immune function and overall wellbeing.

“Building these routines before children return to the classroom helps them feel settled and ready to make the most of the term ahead, while giving you quiet confidence that you're supporting them and their immune system as they head into a new school year.”

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