Is your kid REALLY too sick for shcool?

Every parent has had to make the call. Your child doesn’t feel good and wants to stay home from school...

Parenting Magazine has a few common complaints and some advice on whether to send them off to school or not:

• Fever: Your child is good to go if he's over 4 months old, has a temperature below 100.4°F, is receptive to drinking fluids and if his personality is intact. Older children should stay home if their temps rise above 100.4°F. A feverish child is not only considered contagious, but he's also probably not feeling well enough to learn or participate. Keep him home until he's been fever-free for 24 hours and is feeling like his usual self.

• Vomiting: If it occurs just once in 24 hours, it’s not likely an infection and not worthy of a sick day. If it’s been two or more times in 24 hours – it’s a day off from school, in bed. Offer lots of fluids and keep your eye out for signs of dehydration.

• Red eyes: When the white part of the child's eye is only slightly pink, it’s likely just a school-safe allergy. If the eye is stuck shut or bright red, it could be pinkeye. No school, until 24 hours of antibiotics have kicked in.

• Sore throat: If it’s accompanied by a runny nose, send him off as long as he's fever-free. If the achy throat is accompanied by swollen glands, a fever, headache, or stomachache, a trip to the doctor is in order.

• Stomachache: If this is your child's only symptom and she's active, school is in session. Any stomachache associated with vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or no interest in play warrants a trip to the doctor to see if it’s something more serious.