In our busy lives as parents and caregivers, it can feel overwhelming when unexpected sick days pop up. But keeping your child home when they’re unwell isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also an opportunity for some extra love, rest, and care. At Language Garden Montessori School, we know that these moments of slowing down can be both healing and joyful for your child and your family. Here are some reasons to feel good about keeping sick children home from preschool.

1. You’re Helping Everyone Stay Healthy

Preschool is a place full of energy, laughter, and close connections. It’s wonderful for friendships and learning, but it also means germs can spread easily. By giving your little one time to recover at home, you’re helping their friends, teachers, and our entire community stay healthy. It’s a small step that makes a big difference. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024)

2. Your Child Gets the Care They Need

When children are under the weather, they need extra cuddles, comfort, and time to rest. Staying home lets you create a cozy environment where your child can heal at their own pace. With some stories, favorite snacks, and a good nap or two, they’ll be back to their happy, playful selves in no time. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024)

3. It Supports Better Learning Later

When children feel unwell, it’s hard for them to focus, play, or enjoy their day. By giving them time to get better at home, they’ll return to school refreshed, ready to jump back into learning, and eager to reconnect with their friends. Everyone benefits from a healthier, more positive classroom! (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2024)

4. It’s a Great Lesson in Kindness

When you keep your child home, you’re teaching them an important lesson: caring for others is just as important as caring for ourselves. Staying home when sick shows kindness to friends and teachers by preventing germs from spreading. It’s a wonderful way to model empathy and responsibility. (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2024)

5. You’re Following a Healthy Routine

Health guidelines, like staying home until your child is fever-free for 24 hours or no longer experiencing vomiting, are in place to keep everyone feeling their best. Sticking to these routines makes sure that your child comes back to school ready to thrive, and it keeps the classroom safe and welcoming for everyone. (Washington State Department of Health, 2024)

Turning Sick Days into Special Days

Sick days don’t have to be stressful—they can be a chance to slow down and enjoy some quiet moments together. Here are a few ways to make the most of staying home:

• Snuggle Up with a Story: Reading together can be a calming, fun way to pass the time.
• Simple Activities: Puzzles, drawing, or a favorite movie can keep your child relaxed and entertained.
• Focus on Rest: Plenty of naps, water, and healthy snacks will help speed up recovery.

At Language Garden Montessori, we know how much you care about your child’s well-being—and so do we. By keeping sick children home, you’re not just helping them get better; you’re also contributing to a happy, healthy community. We appreciate everything you do to keep our little learners thriving. Thank you for being such a valued part of our Language Garden family!

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.aap.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov

Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.gse.harvard.edu

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org

Washington State Department of Health. (2024). Retrieved from https://doh.wa.gov