sickness/school question.

StarryNight39

So both the girls have colds/coughs. We kept them both home today because they slept poorly and were up a lot last night. They are coughing like crazy, but in good spirits. I feel bad sending them because they are coughing so much and I don't want to get other children sick this close to Christmas, but on the other hand it is just a cold. We are able to keep them home so that isn't the issue - they are just both mad they may have to be out again tomorrow. WWYD?

Starr57

I usually don't keep DS home for a cough simply because he doesn't act sick and will get way stir crazy. In regards to spreading the cough, odds are they picked it up from school and more than half their classmates are already coughing like that. If it's really awful and I'm worried about sleep, I'll give him some Mucinex D and put a warm humidifier in his room before he goes to sleep.

Ciarrai

Yeah, I don't keep them home for a cough/cold.  I *might* for DS or DD#2, but not DD#1.  I figure if they're acting like themselves and happy enough, they go to school.  A cold doesn't mean staying home because they will climb the walls and so will I.  I do give them Delsym for coughs and Musinex with a nasal decongestant that worked really well for colds for either of my girls.  DS is too little and too young, though the pedi OKed Delsym for him at our last visit, especially if he's having trouble sleeping.  It may sound heartless, but kids get colds and they were probably contagious before they even came down with it.  If they had a fever or were miserable, yes, I'd keep them home, but if they're dying to go to school and just have a cold, send them and enjoy some downtime for you!

jlw2505

I don't keep my kids home for colds.  If I did there are some years we would rarely be at school.