There are different reasons to keep a child home from school, however there are also important reasons not to make it a bad habit. Of course, if your child is sick, you should keep them home, but sometimes children want to hang out at home if they know that parents or other family members are around. The question is should you let them do that if your child asks.
There is no absolute answer, but it is best to tell children in advance that a special day is planned for them. If a child demands or has a tantrum about it, then the answer should be “No.” Children will utilize what worked during previous experiences and reuse it when they see an opportunity. This pattern can escalate an unwanted behavior, because the child won’t understand why it worked one time and didn’t work another time, thus in many instances they will try harder with the unwanted behavior thinking that they will eventually have their way.
Screaming and crying doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Children sometimes act that way because they have become accustomed to getting what they want with it, so really they just see it as a usable tool. If done correctly, children should get the message that tantrums do not get them what they want. If you are struggling with your child in the morning, wait for them to calm down, acknowledge their feelings and bring them to school.
Keeping your child home because you are off work the next day is great for parents and children. Busy jobs sometimes make parents feel like they are missing out on their child’s growth and any extra time should be spent with their child. But make sure you let your child know in advance that you are off and want to spend a special day with them. It is also important to ask for their input on what they would like to do with you.
Visiting relatives is exciting and sometimes they want to stay at home with them, especially with grandparents. Since travels are usually planned in advance, a discussion of what to expect should take place between you and your child. Pre-COVID, we had a grandmother volunteer at the school to spend time with her grandchildren and that is a great way to spend time together and not disrupt routine. Hopefully, post-COVID, Seabird will be able to have visitors again.
Parents have to balance out what children are missing out at school when they are absent. Preschool is a bridge to elementary school and everyday there is a lot of learning to get children ready, that is why consistency is an important factor in a child’s learning process which correlates with attendance. Remember that the quality of time is more important than the quantity of time you spend with your child.
