When children hit middle school, missing school can result in falling behind academically. It's no wonder many parents of preteens avoid keeping their children home from school if they can. But how do you know if your child is too sick for school? Your school system should offer you guidelines on how to tell if you should keep your child home from school, but the following guidelines are also considerations to keep in mind.
Is Your Tween Too Sick for School?
If you answer "yes" to any of the questions below, it's safe to assume your child is too sick for school.
- Does your tween have a communicable disease such as the flu, strep throat, or conjunctivitis?
- Does your child have a fever of 100 degrees or more? Has he had a high fever within the last 24 hours?
- Does your child have a skin rash that has not been diagnosed?
- Does your child have heavy nasal discharge, or a persistent, heavy cough?
- Has your child vomited in the last 24 hours?
- Has your child had diarrhea in the last 24 hours?
- Is your child cranky or unable to concentrate because he feels so bad?
- Has your child's doctor recommended he stay home from school?
- Does your child have redness of the eyelid linings, or a discharge of the eyes?
Too Sick for School? A Special Consideration for Preteen Girls
Some girls who suffer
menstrual cramps may feel too sick for school if
their cramps are debilitating. These girls may even experience nausea or diarrhea as a result. If your daughter's menstrual cramps are keeping her from going to school, be sure to contact her pediatrician or the family doctor.
