There comes a point in every parent’s journey with a school-age child when they must make the decision of whether to send their sick child to school. It can be challenging to discern if a child is genuinely unwell when dealing with school-age children. Is the child simply seeking more time with their mother and the perks of being sick, such as extra affection and the possibility of watching a DVD?
Something appears to be troubling the child at school, prompting questions about the root cause. Is it an infectious illness, or is it something else altogether? This dilemma poses a significant challenge for working parents as they grapple with the decision of whether to keep their unwell child at home or send them to school in the hopes that a day in class might alleviate their discomfort.
When to Keep Your Ill Child at Home
If your child has a fever, it’s imperative to keep them home from school. Most institutions recommend a temperature threshold of between 100 and 101 degrees. Ensure that your child remains fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication before considering sending them back to school.
Diarrhea could indicate a viral infection, warranting the child to stay home. Hydrate your child with oral rehydration solutions and allow them to rest at home.
Vomiting may persist, and even if there has been no vomiting for 24 hours, it’s advisable to keep the child at home until they fully recover.
A persistent cough, especially when accompanied by wheezing or breathing difficulties, should prompt you to consult your pediatrician and keep the child at home. Infectious conditions like impetigo should be evaluated by a doctor before the child returns to school.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) necessitates keeping the child at home until medically cleared to return.
Your Child’s Well-being at School
Stomach aches can stem from various causes, including stress or food-related issues. If the stomach discomfort is mild and there are no other symptoms, the child may attend school.
Ear infections or severe coughs should be evaluated based on accompanying symptoms. Severe discomfort warrants staying at home, especially if fever is present.
A runny nose, without other concerning symptoms, may not always require staying home from school.
Ultimately, Trust Your Instincts
If your child exhibits sluggishness, lack of interest in play, or signs of illness, it may be best to keep them at home and monitor their condition closely.
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