Mumsnet Talk

Just dropped DS2 (11) at school, he said he didn't feel well (has a cold). Now feel like bad mum of the year. It was Monday morning, he didn't want to get up, nobody did. But what if hr really did feel awful?

DS1 had a day off last week but really I feel he could have gone in.

I always make the wrong decision.

<resists temptation to ring school and look like a loon>

If he's that bad they'll send him home. I wouldn't keep one of mine off with a cold, I think you made the right decision. You feel guilty because you care.

Thanks Tee. You are right. I don't want them to think they can have days off with colds, but I do feel horrible about it.

Mine always go into school so I never have to worry about making the wrong decision

If mine had a day off every time they "feel ill" they would rarely be in

I tend to send them in unless they are obviously ill or it would be horrendously inconvenient for me to go and fetch them in the middle of the day.

I am sure he will be fine It is a cold if kids stayed off every time they sniffed they would probably never be there , was he grouchy when you sent him in or just tired I reckon he will be ok, and if he isnt any better later keep him home tomorrow, why was ds1 off last week

Ooh harsh Goosey.

I feel the same! Always worry I've done the wrong thing.

I think in 10 years of parenting school age children, I've had to go and fetch a child who had told me they "felt ill" about 4 times.

DS1 had half a day of a temperature and a cough and got sent home from school mrsjay. I did a 24 mile round trip to get him. He had the next day off but seemed ok by about 10am.

I have only done the 'wrong thing' once dd2 said she felt a bit iffy and didnt eat her breakfast I said ach you will be fine, she had to be sent home this was only last year so years of going into school feeling a bit off, they are better at school anyway keeps their mind busy and as tee said if he is that bad they will send him home

I send mine in with a cold unless they have had a really bad night, as i think they have to learn that you can't give in to every illness as you can't when you work. . Often they come back feeling better for being distracted and getting out. Some people say you shouldn't spread it around but colds are everywhere this time of year. I too have given in and let them have time off and they gave been fine so I trust my instincts now, if they do get bad the school nurse will call. Don't worry, he may well be better for being with friends.

You probably did the right thing today.

DS1 is only in Reception and I was so tempted to keep him off today. It has been a long, long winter and he was tired this morning after a disturbed night, but he is enjoying school so I took him in.

Mine stay off for d&v (obvs), temp, or really sore throat or earache. For a normal run-of-the-mill cold they go in.

Me too - just sent dc aged 7 into school with a sore throat and tummy...

unless they can't stand up, i usually send them in and let the school ring for me to collect if necessary - sometimes they get through the day, sometimes not

always feel like i've made the wrong decision though!

Well I am off out in a minute, clutching my mobile just in case. Time will tell if I made the wrong decision. Thanks for the words of reason. Ds1 is nearly 14 and I still haven't got the hang of this.

D&V or temperature stay home. Ill enough to see GP or admission to hospital. Other than that it is school.
If we all took days off for colds! If they are well enough to get up and dressed and have breakfast then they are well enough to go in.

Unless really streaming always sent in & felt guilty every time
make sure you send tissues though coz never enough around
unless you dont mind yucky streaks on clothes

That sounds like a good policy Wolfie. I hate them missing school.

I know what you mean as sometimes it feels like a responsibility to make the right decision. My DS1 put on a good act - which I only found out at lunchtime (he'd put the thermometer on the radiator to make it go up...), and had miraculously recovered appetite by lunch. Usually I go with the rule, if you have a fever or can't eat at all - no school. Obviously it backfired that time. DS2 has had a cold basically since October and has 2 days off with it since then when he had basically been too exhausted to go in

I've been called three times to pick up an ill child in 10 years too.

Oh, and once when he went to school on a -bakers-- development day

Only actual death, diarohea or vomit keeps anyone from school or work in this house. Paracetamol cures everything else!

I know I sound harsh but I'm a softie really

It is award call to make. My decision is based on temp, colour and emissions.

I've made a wrong call once, git a call 20 mins after Id dropped off. Even then i was convinced as he was surprisingly perk as soon as we stepped out the school gate. (and as it turns out there was a test that day which he'd 'forgotten' to do the homework for )

I think as well that nobody feels brilliant as soon as they wake up and they do look like sad souls all bleary eyed getting dressed, and feeling rough.

My Dad never let me have a day off sick, and he accused me of 'putting it on'. Turned out to be Chicken Pox once.

awkward not award call!!!!