Is
my child too sick to go to school?
Many parents have a hard time deciding if their kids are well
enough to go to school. After all, what well-intentioned parent hasn't sent a
child off with tissues in hand, only to get that mid-morning "come get
your child" phone call?
But making the right decision isn't as tough as you might
think. It basically boils down to one question: Can your child still
participate in school activities? After all, having a sore throat, cough, or
mild congestion does not necessarily mean a child can't be active and
participate in school activities.
So trust your instincts. If your son/ daughter have the
sniffles but haven’t slowed down at home, chances are their well enough for the
classroom. On the other hand, if they have been coughing all night and need to
be woken up in the morning (if they typically wake up on their own), they may
need to take it easy at home.
Of course, never send a child to school, which has a fever, is
nauseated, vomiting, or has diarrhea. Kids who lose their appetite, are clingy
or lethargic, complain of pain, or who just don't seem to be acting "them"
should also take a sick day.
If you decide that your child is well enough to go to school,
check in first. Most childcares, preschools, and grade schools have rules about
when to keep kids home. For example, pinkeye or strep throat usually
necessitates a day home with appropriate treatment. Usually, kids can't return
to school or childcare until at least 24 hours after a fever has broken
naturally (without fever-reducing medicines).
And remember, go with your feeling. You know your kids best,
and you know when they're able to motor through the day — and when they're not.
Enjoy,
Nora Sierra
Early Childhood
Assistant Principal
Discovery School
(504)221-7790
(504)221-7791(fax)
(504)9500-1720(school
cell)
(504)9985-0732(mobile)
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