we can only get so far into "back-to-school" before someone starts sniffling or aching and needs to stay home. with four kids, it's the way it goes. i've been blessed with very healthy children, but we still have our occasional sick days. when patrick started kindergarten (4 years ago...) the parents had to attend a meeting where we learned the ins and outs of the school. at that meeting, the school nurse shared an interesting piece of advice - one that has served us well - and i thought i'd pass it along.
because some children tend to interepret sick days as a day off, it is important that children who stay home sick don't have too much fun.
ok, that doesn't sound quite right. but it's true. i'm not talking about a child who has a raging fever or violent stomach bug - clearly, that child needs to be home and as comfortable as possible. but you know how your kid wakes up one morning and they are a little sniffly and a little achy and a little moody - but not out and out sick and you just aren't sure what to do? unless i know my little darling is attempting to pull a fast one, i tend to give them the benefit of the doubt - with the condition that staying home sick means staying home. sick. in bed. resting. all day.
yes, i feed them.
yes, they have a toy or two.
yes, they can read.
but - no tv, movies, running around with their little brother.
if you're too sick to be in school, you need to be in bed and get better!
and... if you're too sick to go to school, you're too sick for that evening's activity (soccer practice, birthday party, etc).
sometimes, that reminder is enough for that same little darling to make an impressive recovery and grab her book bag. and sometimes they agree to my terms. usually, i'm glad i've kept them home - as a fever sneaks in or the child dozes off and on all day proving that they really did need the rest. but there have been times when the sick child spends the greater part of the day begging to get up and play... or, better yet, begging to be taken to school (that always makes me laugh).
either way, making a sick day truly a day for resting and recovering will usually prevent a child from feigning illness in an attempt to stay home.
Good one! I've been contemplating what to do in a homeschooling situation. Sam didn't feel well a couple of days last week. One day, we did school on the couch, and the next day, I had him move to the table. I didn't know what to expect out of him, but he was fine...and sure enough, he was up running around a little later in the day.
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