Back-to-school warning as working parents lose £843 caring for poorly children

Back-to-school warning as working parents lose £843 caring for poorly children Parents lose an average of £843 in earnings each academic year taking time off work to care for poorly kids - as nutrition expert reveals how to prepare ahead of the new term. Parents lose an average of £843 in wages throughout the school year while looking after their poorly children. Tummy bugs, colds, fevers and coughs are the most frequent ailments to have kept youngsters off school over the past year. Research involving 1,000 parents of children aged five to 12 revealed six in 10 (63%) have been forced to take time off work as a consequence – averaging half a week – leading to heightened stress (37%) and having to dip into annual leave (20%). For 32%, their child's illness had impacted a work opportunity, such as missing a deadline or declining a project, while some had been perceived as less dependable. A third (31%) have sent their kids back to school before they'd fully recovered, as they couldn't afford more time off work, or had crucial commitments they couldn't miss. 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. The company is working with its head of nutrition, Natalie Louise Burrows, to offer 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 research revealed that 46% of parents have worked from home while looking after a poorly child, and 44% have depended on their partner taking time off work. Meanwhile, 47% of parents are dreading the return to school because of the bugs and viruses their child could bring back home - particularly as 30% believe their little ones are more susceptible to illness during term time than during the school holidays. Of those whose child fell ill after starting school, 57% said it occurred within the first month of term, including 13% within the first week. In line with this, 53% are worried about the number of illnesses their child goes through each year. Parents say it has become 'normal' for primary school-aged children to suffer four colds over a typical 12-month period. As a result, almost all (96%) agree that maintaining a strong immune system is vital in helping children have a successful school term. Ahead of the new term, 61% spent the most time sorting out school uniforms, while 36% concentrated on new shoes and 32% on getting sleep routines back on track. Yet just 26% said that immune support or vitamins were amongst the things they devoted the most time to preparing ahead of the return to school.