Is Your Child Really Sick? 6 Signs Your Kid Could Be Faking It (and How to Tell)
Source:https://www.parents.com/
Elementary school children often fake illnesses to avoid various stressors, such as bullying, homework, or presentations. Factors like a caregiver’s health or changes at home, like a new sibling, can also trigger this behavior. In some cases, children might simply want to stay home for leisure activities like playing with toys or watching movies. Understanding the underlying reasons for a child’s faked illness is crucial for addressing their needs.
How to Tell If Your Kid Is Pretending to be Sick
Headache: Children often struggle to express the severity of their pain, so healthcare providers use tools like the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale to assess their distress. Signs of severe pain include crying, closed eyes, and refusal to play. If a headache lasts more than an hour or two and doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers, a pediatrician should be consulted. Recurring severe headaches with symptoms like nausea or changes in vision may indicate migraines and require medical attention. Most headaches in children are mild and resolve quickly, allowing for regular school attendance. If a child appears to be in less pain than claimed, suggesting a pediatrician visit can encourage them to reconsider their need to stay home.
Stomach or Abdominal Problems: If a child has symptoms of a stomach bug, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, they should stay home from school. For children who only report abdominal pain, it’s important to look for additional symptoms, such as changes in heart rate, clammy skin, increased saliva, or constricted pupils, which can indicate a more serious issue. A lack of appetite is also a key sign; if they eat breakfast normally, they may not be seriously ill. However, persistent abdominal pain should not be overlooked, as it could indicate conditions like constipation, reflux, or anxiety, and may require a healthcare provider’s evaluation.
Fever:Fever is a common reason for children to stay home from school, though the specific temperature threshold can vary by school, typically ranging from 100 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Most schools require students to be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning. While it’s hard to fake a fever, parents should take accurate readings using a thermometer, ideally after ensuring the child hasn’t eaten or engaged in physical activity that could elevate their temperature. The American Academy of Pediatrics defines a fever as a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Cough:Upper respiratory infections are a leading cause of school absences, often accompanied by a cough due to increased mucus production. Genuine coughs are typically “productive,” forceful, and occur frequently, making them distinct from faked coughs. While a child with a cough can generally still attend school, they should stay home if they exhibit additional symptoms like fever or headache. If there are signs of wheezing or shortness of breath, medical attention is necessary.
Sore Throat: About 70% to 95% of sore throats in children are caused by viral infections, which typically don’t require staying home unless related to COVID-19. The remaining cases are bacterial, primarily strep throat, which needs 24 hours of antibiotics before returning to school. Signs that may indicate strep include absence of fever but presence of cough and hoarse voice. A throat swab from a healthcare provider can confirm the diagnosis quickly with a rapid strep test. This helps parents decide whether to send their child to school or keep them home.
Fatigue and Malaise: Malaise, a term used by doctors to describe a general feeling of being unwell, can range from mild discomfort to severe fatigue. Parents often struggle to determine the validity of this complaint, as it can signal anything from a cold to more serious conditions. To address this, the author insists that their children must present at least one observable symptom, like a fever or vomiting, to justify staying home from school. If a child frequently reports malaise without clear causes, a medical evaluation is warranted to explore underlying health issues.
My Kid Fakes Illness All The Time—What Should I Do?
Most children understand that attending school is essential, but if yours is frequently trying to avoid it by feigning illness, it’s important to investigate the underlying reasons. Engaging with teachers and administrators can provide insights into your child’s social and academic experiences. If there are concerns about learning difficulties or social adjustment, these should be addressed. Persistent complaints of illness may warrant consultation with healthcare or mental health professionals to determine if it’s malingering (faking symptoms for gain) or a genuine issue, such as factitious disorder or other conditions where symptoms feel real to the child. Understanding the root cause is crucial for providing appropriate support.
Image Source: https://www.parents.com/
