Sometimes it’s not a good idea for your child to come into therapy.
It’s that time of year again! Having a sick child this week, it seemed like a good time to think about when to bring your child to OT.
Your child may love coming to OT, but there are times when it is best to stay home. Please consider the following:
A mild cold is okay. A minimally runny nose or sore throat is very common in childhood. We have tissues and we can manage!
Fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea in past 24 hours: Keep your child at home. They need their rest.
Coughing that interferes with activities: A mild cough is fine, but one where the other kids are susceptible to getting sick or where your child is not able to concentrate is not consistent with good therapy. We want your child to be able to get something out of movement, and if they are coughing a lot they won’t be able to do so.
Lack of sleep: If your child is very sleep deprived, they may not benefit from therapy because of their inability to concentrate and fatigue. Most of the time, we can work around a tired kid. Talk to us if you need help with sleep issues.
Pink eye and other highly contagious illnesses: Please leave your child at home. We do our best to maintain a clean and healthy clinic, but we can’t control all spreadable germs.
Kids who are clingy, lethargic, complain of pain or who are really “not themselves”: It’s often best to leave your child at home when your child is behaving this way.
If your child is not well enough for school, they are not well enough for OT: Please don’t bring kids to OT who have not attended school that day.
Trust your gut: You know your child best. Illness is a part of childhood and we will try our hardest to be here for you. You know when they are able to participate and when they are not.
Remember that even though your child loves OT, it is not always in everyone’s best interest for your child to come in if they are sick. After all, we want to stay well, too, and be here for your child.
Be well!
Advanced Pediatric Therapies 