Back to School: Sending Your Child to School with a Medical Condition

Back to school can be both a happy and stressful time for families. Children often have mixed feelings about the passing summer and the upcoming school year. With the lazy days of summer now behind us, parents are faced with the daunting task of preparing school lunches and the endless days of car pools. Having a child with an allergy or serious illness can even add more stress to your families daily routine. Take the stress out of sending medication with your child to school by following these basic guidelines.

If your child has asthma, a food allergy, or any other medical condition; make sure you discuss their medical needs with school staff prior to the start of the school year. It is a good idea to touch base with your child's classroom teacher, gym teacher (if it is asthma or a medical condition is triggered by activity), school nurse, and cafeteria staff (if it is a food allergy).

For instance, if your child has a peanut allergy they may be placed with a teacher that keeps a peanut free room. Also, many schools now provide separate areas in the lunch room where your children can safely enjoy their meals without worry of cross-contamination from other foods.

When touching base with the school nurse make sure they are familiar with your child's medical condition. Most schools require that all medication that is needed for your child throughout the day to be kept in the nurses office. Be sure that your child's name and dosage is clearly visible on every medication.

Education first starts at home. Make sure your children are aware of their own medical conditions. It is key for your children to be able to realize their own symptoms and possible onset of a potential problem. Children should be able to recognize when they need help and ask for it. Educate your children. If your child has a food allergy make sure they know that they should not share food with another child because of the potential danger.

It may be helpful to send your child to school with a few flashcards to hand out to school staff. The flashcards can be simple and contain the following information: child's name, allergy or medical condition, symptoms, emergency plan, medication and dosage, and emergency contact number.

Getting back in to the routine of a new school year is a headache in itself. Ease your worry and prepare both your child and the school staff about any medical needs of your child.