Should Sick Kids Go to School?

--:--
In this episode of The Lauren Edmonds Podcast, Lauren dives into the age-old dilemma faced by working parents: What do you do when your child is sick? With two kids of her own, Lauren understands the pressure to send them to school, especially when work commitments pile up.

She unpacks both sides of the debate:

•Why do parents feel compelled to send their kids back to school quickly?
•The challenges teachers face when dealing with sick, dysregulated children in the
classroom.
•How sending sick kids to school impacts not only their learning but also the well-
being of classmates and staff.

Lauren also shares practical tips for parents, emphasizing the importance of rest, good nutrition, and early intervention to help kids recover faster. She encourages families to weigh their choices carefully, understanding the potential consequences for their child, the teacher, and the broader school community.

A compassionate and thoughtful discussion for parents navigating this tricky decision.
20 Jan English South Africa Education · Self-Improvement

Other recent episodes

Balancing Family, Self, and Special Needs Parenting

Lauren Edmunds shares a heartfelt conversation with a father navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism, ADHD, and anxiety. She explores the struggles parents face in maintaining balance—between their own needs, their relationships, and their child’s high demands. Through practical strategies and a shift in mindset, she highlights…
31 Mar 5 min

Rethinking Homework: A Parent’s Role in Academic Success

Lauren Edmunds delves into the common struggles parents face with their children's homework and why the way we approach it matters. She challenges the growing trend of "no homework" schools and emphasizes the importance of homework as a tool for connection, skill-building, and long-term academic success. Lauren shares insights from…
24 Mar 13 min

When the Home Environment Shapes a Child’s Success

Lauren Edmunds explores a controversial yet crucial topic: Are some children placed in expensive remedial environments when the real challenges stem from their home environment? She discusses how anxiety, rather than intrinsic learning difficulties, can sometimes be the root cause of academic struggles—and how family dynamics may play a significant…
17 Mar 4 min

The Power of Boundaries: Why Kids Need Firm but Loving Limits

Lauren Edmunds discusses the importance of setting firm, consistent boundaries for children—especially those with anxiety or control-related behaviors. Using the metaphor of a bouncing castle, she explains how children need structure to feel safe and secure. Without clear rules, their world can feel unpredictable and overwhelming. She shares a real-life…
10 Mar 6 min

Understanding Attention: More Than Just Focus

Lauren Edmunds explores the complexity of attention in children, moving beyond labels like ADHD and the assumption that medication is the only solution. She discusses the nuances of focus, comparing a typically attentive child to one struggling with anxiety and divided attention. Through vivid examples, Lauren explains how sensory processing,…
3 Mar 8 min