We have all been there. You have that big meeting or the appointment you can't miss and your child comes in complaining that they are sick.
As parents, how do we know if we should keep our children home from school? Here are a few signs/symptoms to look for to know if you should keep them home.
School guidelines
Always know your school guidelines. Call your school administrator or nurse or refer to the handbook. Some schools have very strict policies while others are very lenient. There are even schools that are only for sick kids. These type of schools were developed by individuals who lived the above scenario in the first paragraph. Sometimes employers just don't understand. Every school has guidelines in place on the health of kids they accept.
Fever
If a child has a fever, do not send them to school. Fever is a obvious sign that your child has an infection. As a parent, I would appreciate you not bring your kid to school with fever. A fever is a temperature of 100.4.
Diarrhea
Kids should be diarrhea free for at least 24 hours before coming to school. Diarrhea sicknesses are the worse for kids and parents. Don't be the one that knocks out the entire school.
Vomiting
The same applies for vomiting in that 24 hours should have passed. However, you know your child. If it is allergy/phlem related, sometimes you can get by with it. My child used to be better after vomiting so at times it is ok to send them.
Runny nose
Honestly, if we kept our kids home every time they had a runny nose, they would never go to school. However, if it is thick and green or has accompanied other symptoms for more that three days, it might be best to take them to the doctor.
Diagnosis
If your kid has been diagnosed with an ear infection, strep throat, sinus infection, etc., it is ok to go back to school after being on antibiotics for 24 hours as long as there is no fever. Under no circumstance, should a child who was diagnosed with the flu or any other highly contagious ailment be taken to school.
Here is the deal. You know your child the best. Don't doubt your role as their parent. If you think they need to stay home, keep them at home. Be confident in your role and make sure your employers understand that your child's health is more important.
If you still don't know if you should keep them home or not, go on and send them to school. I am sure if you weren't, the school will be calling in no time.
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