10 Things ’00s Aussie Kids Remember When Chucking A Sickie
Being sick at home in the 2000s at primary school age was a completely different experience from what it is now. Kids now have the entertainment of Roblox, Minecraft, and technology to keep them updated with what is happening in school via Zoom.
And not to pull the “back in my day”, but I swear most 2000s kiddos have a collective memory or shared experience of chucking a sickie during school. Especially with the super flu flying around, a lot of things are reminding me of the times of being at home with mum, dozing off to the yelling of Judge Judy.
To prove my point here is a list of things 2000s kids remember when having a sick day from school:
1. The treasure trove of cooking shows, talk shows, and soap operas.
Unfortunately, I did not have the luxury of Foxtel before streaming was a thing, BUT I do remember shows like Ready Steady Cook, Huey’s Kitchen, The Bold And The Beautiful, and Dr Phil keeping me entertained whilst I battled out a cold.
Although most of these shows have been cancelled, It does bring me much joy when I come across a meme about them. Ready Steady Cook was definitely one of my faves because of the voting process at the end. Pretty sure the Bold And The Beautiful is still going on and I could never wrap my head around the plot. But that’s why we have Neighbours and Home And Away.
2. You had to have a dose of this bad boy.
Or this…
I just remember these two tasting like ASS! Every time my mum would bring one of these medicines out I would run for the hills. The goop reminded me of this moving, gross looking elixir that was in the Nanny McPhee movie.
3. Your recess and lunch for the day.
A hearty bowl of Cupasoup chicken noodle soup! Not only was it soothing for your throat, but it’s the perfect way to stay warm during the cooler months AND it’s delicious.
4. Or eating a bunch of these to soothe your stomach.
Especially when your sickness is stomach related, saltine crackers were the way to go. I’m not sure if this is a Filipino/Australian thing that I went through, but I usually was forced to eat these with bananas for any stomach problems. Works every time.
5. Also being forced to drink lemonade.
Not to sure what the healing benefits are for ‘Sprite but I’ve never complained cracking open one of these bad boys.
For me, personally, I had Sprite for stomachaches alongside the saltines and bananas. Also, the lemonade was always warm.
6. Wondering what your friends are doing at school during recess and lunch.
Are they on the oval? What’s the canteen serving up? Did I miss out on latest school goss? All of these thoughts run through your head as you lay in bed, or on your couch. FOMO (fear of missing out) definitely stemmed from chucking a sickie at school.
7. Being covered in Vicks.
That light-burning sensation that unclogs your chest and sinuses when it’s rubbed on your body is unmatched. If you were boujee, you had that awesome humidifier that took the liquified Vicks that made the air smell so ~spicy~, but in a good way.
Another weird remedy, that I still use to this day, is applying Vicks to my bare feet and chucking some socks over. It just helps so much and I don’t know why.
8. Obligatory fluffy hot water bottle.
This probably still applies today, but fluffy hot water bottles are the GOAT when it comes to being sick. Just like a plushie with that extra warmth.
9. Don’t forget stomping around in these
They were the most iconic slipper to have. Kind of like the anti Ugg Boot but super cute. City Beach always had a ton of these.
10. And don’t forget your favourite magazine, when you’re finally sick of watching TV.
You’ll always find yourself reading some form of magazine to pass the time. Whether it be K-Zone, Total Girl, Dolly, or TV Week, you just needed something to entertain you during the day.