Plan Ahead
You can do a lot to minimize the number of days your child misses school if you’re willing to plan ahead and consult the school calendar before your commit to vacations and trips. Also, try to schedule annual physicals, dental appointments, or eye exams during the summer while your child is on summer break. If possible, schedule hair appointments and orthodontic appointments in the afternoon, after school lets out for the day.
In addition, you can minimize days missed by practicing healthy living, making sure your child gets a flu shot, and reminding your tween to practice good hygiene at school, such as washing his or her hands frequently, etc.
If your tween will miss school due to a vacation or a family commitment, such as a wedding or a funeral, remind your tween to ask his or her teachers for class assignments ahead of time. You might even want to write a note verifying that your family will be away for a few days. That way, your child can bring some work with him or her, and stay up-to-date on school studies.
Many school systems only allow students to miss a certain number of days a year, or risk the possibility of being held back. Know your school system’s policy regarding students and missed days.
Stay in Contact
At the beginning of the school year, be sure you collect the contact information for all of your child’s teachers. Many teachers are very good about responding to parents’ and students’ email questions, and if your child has to miss school, he or she can stay in touch with his teachers electronically to keep up-to-date on assignments and reading homework
Get a Note
Many schools require a doctor’s note if a child misses more than three days of school due to illness. Be sure to ask for one if you take your child to his doctor during the course of his illness.
Stock Supplies
It’s important that you maintain a supply cabinet with all necessary school supplies. They will come in handy should your child have to stay home for several days due to an illness. Stock up at the beginning of the school year, when supplies are marked down for the back to school rush.