At this time of year it probably feels like your child is constantly sick. Whether they have a runny nose, a cough, a stomach bug or a fever, it’s difficult to know if you should keep your child at home or send them to preschool. It’s very common for children at preschool age to have a runny nose with many fighting at least 6-8 colds a year.
In a child care setting, illnesses spread quickly because most children are still building their immune system. We’ve covered everything you need to know about the five most common viruses that your little one will most likely catch during their time at preschool.
Recognizing when your child needs to stay at home because of illness and when they are well enough for preschool can be a delicate balancing act. Children often don't have the vocabulary to express how they're feeling, so it's up to the parents to be observant and trust your intuition.
If your little one is lethargic, has a fever, or is vomiting, it's a clear sign they should stay at home. Similarly, if they have a persistent cough or a runny nose with green or yellow mucus, it might be best for them to rest at home. On the other hand, if they have a mild cold but are otherwise active and happy, they can still attend preschool. Remember, it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your pediatrician when in doubt.
As their parents you know your child best and therefore, will instantly spot if they’re not themselves.
A runny nose, a cough and a sore throat don’t usually stop a young child from playing with their toys or eating breakfast. Typically, these mild symptoms will not affect their energy levels or appetite. They should be happy to go to preschool and interact as usual with their friends and teachers.
Never send your kid to preschool if they have a fever. It is more than likely that they will be irritable, clingy and upset, which means they need a day or two snuggled on the sofa with lots of fluids and sleep. Once the fever has broken naturally your child will be ready to return to preschool.
The most common symptoms of an upset tummy will be vomiting, diarrhoea or possibly both! Your little one will need to stay at home until the symptoms have stopped and their appetite has mostly returned. A stomach bug will make your child feel miserable, unhappy and tired. The last place they should be is in the classroom.
According to CNN, it's spending more time indoors that spreads viruses in winter. This is why more children are ill in the winter – it's too cold to be outside!
Believe it or not, it’s not the cold weather that spreads viruses in winter, it’s spending more time indoors that does it, says CNN. Experts explain that the dry conditions and close contact inside are the perfect way for illnesses like the common cold to spread easily. The CDC explains how to reduce the risk of becoming sick.
If you are worried that your child is showing symptoms of Covid-19 it is advised that you stay at home and away from others. 2024 guidelines state that your child can return to childcare when their symptoms have improved and they have no fever.
The most common symptoms include a fever, coughing, fatigue and shortness of breath. Luckily, most children with mild Covid-19 symptoms do recover at home without medical care. However, if your child does become very unwell and has trouble breathing seek emergency help immediately. Find more information on Covid-19 at the CDC website.
Most colds do clear up after a couple of weeks. There is no specific cure but there are ways to make your child feel more comfortable whilst they are feeling unwell along with a lot of patience!
There’s also the preschool rules to consider. Most state when to keep children at home to prevent the illness from spreading to the rest of the class and teachers. Please find our policy below.
Is there anything in particular that helps you decide whether to keep your child at home from preschool? At Kids Konnect we’d love to know! Please leave your comments below or contact us at Kids Konnect.