This is a sponsored post about when to keep your child home from school.
School is back in session, and you may be finding that you’re already dealing with the first round of school crud. Do you ever have a hard time deciding when to keep a child home from school? Have you ever sent them off anyway, with tissues stuffed in their pockets; an extra box in their backpack, only to get that dreaded “come get your child” phone call? I know that’s happened to me more than once. The back to school colds get to the point where I feel like I have to have a box of tissues in every room of the house.
So when DO you keep a child home from school? It comes down to one question: Is your child acting like themselves? My son will try and convince me he’s too sick to go to school, as he runs through the house. . I can always tell when my daughter is sick because she loves to go to school, so if she wants to stay home, she’s truly not feeling well. Keep in mind that a sore throat, cough, or mild congestion does not necessarily mean a child can’t go to school.
You need to trust your gut. If your son has the sniffles but isn’t slowing down, send him off on the bus. It’s pretty likely he’s well enough for the math class and beyond. On the other hand, if he’s been up all night coughing, it might be a better idea to keep him home for the day and let them rest.
If you’re unsure, check your school’s policies first. Most childcares, preschools, and grade schools have rules about when kids should stay home. Check your student handbook, school website or call the school nurse.
There are times when you should never send your kids to school (or camp, or dance class, etc) If your child has a fever, is nauseated, vomiting, or has diarrhea then keep them home. . Kids that just don’t seem to be acting “themselves” should also take a sick day and stay home. They may be coming down with something. Not only that, but if they are feeling down, they might catch something from a child who went to school sick!
Keep your child home from school if they have a…
Cold
The most contagious period of a cold is the first two days. Unfortunately, these are the days you realize your child has a cold. By the third day, they should be okay to return to school if they are active and free of fever and other ailments.
Fever
A child should be kept home for 24 hours after a fever. In addition, if your child has a fever, they are more susceptible to other illnesses, keeping them home is a good preventative step in guarding against further infection.
Communicable disease
Children with a known or suspected communicable disease or highly contagious illness like strep throat, pink eye, or chicken pox should NOT go to school. Also, if your child has been exposed to these or other illnesses, you should notify their school. Check with your doctor and school polices about when they may return.
Lice
Head lice does not spread disease but is considered a nuisance pest. Check your school district on their lice policies. Generally once your child has lice, they must be kept out of school until treatment is completed and there are no nits. Eggs hatch 7 to 10 days after infestation and begin laying eggs/nits 8 to 10 days after hatching. Signs and symptoms of lice are itching, scratching, and soreness of the scalp.
Something else.
If your child is recovering from a broken bone, surgery or significant illness, give them the extra time that they need. Missing a day or two of school to recuperate is better for them.
When you send your child back to school…
I like to send a few boxes of tissues to school with my kiddos as a way to help control the sniffles and spread of germs. It’s better than them sneezing in their hands and spreading more germs! Conveniently,Puffs Plus Lotion is NEW at Sam’s Club in a 10-pack, which is enough for home and school. Puffs Plus Lotion is America’s #1 lotion tissue and is dermatologist tested to be gentle on sensitive skin. Which is good because all of little noses that need it!
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