Hi, I have a son with cf and you are right when you say treat them as normal as poss. I really understand how the mum feels though, it is really hard and no matter what you always feel guilty, but remember the child is happy if the parents are happy and the parents stress levels can effect the child. I would recomend that you support her what ever is her choice and let her do what she feels is right for her child, every child is an individual and i'm sure mum knows her child more than anyone. Myself personally I had to stop working at my local infant school because I was bringing home so many visuses that it was not worth it. I also would not do certain jobs in fear that I might pick up germs and bring them home, etc- cleaning, hospital work,childcare, to name but a few. I am not over protective, (oh I lie, I am!), well what do you expect I have a son, my first child, a child with a illness- no wonder I am over protective!! With the matter of should the child go to school or stay home i'm sure school would be the best answer, but if the child is really ill from visuses around the school all the time then maybe mum is right to keep him home until well enough for school again-no matter how long they have to have off, cf should always come first! There are loads of outside things to do to mix with other kids for the child's social skills and loads of support groups that can help.
