The only thing worse than knowing your kid has head lice is worrying about telling other parents the truth to be sure their kids are not infected as well. Our advice, grit your teeth and get it done! Parents of your children’s friends and teammates will most often be more supportive than anything. Chances are, you are not the only family in your circle of friends, classmates or teammates that are dealing with head lice.
In reality, 1 in 10 children will experience head lice between the ages of 4 to 16. And this number is on the rise.
Should I Break the Head Lice News to Other Parents?
Think about what you would prefer someone to do if the roles were reversed? If a child in your circle of friends was dealing with a head lice infection, wouldn’t you want to be privy to that information? This is not about who is better, cleaner, or more socially accepted than others. This is about the health and safety of our families. Of course, we should always keep our kids in mind and make sure to do this in a kind, non-threatening way so that they are not taunted or bullied. Keeping it as tight-lipped as possible is important, we are not saying information like this should be posted on social media or broadcast to the entire school, necessarily.
Head Lice Is Significantly Easier To Stop Early On
The best thing you can do – don’t hesitate! Come up with a script or a few ideas on what you can say to break up any possible tension, and go for it. Head lice can take up to four weeks to manifest symptoms. That means that children who are frequently together at classes, team meetings, playgroups, or even just as friends have a higher chance of passing on head lice to those friends without even knowing they have head lice. The sooner you let other parents know of your situation, the more easily they will be able to cure head lice in their child. Who knows? Maybe your child caught it from theirs, and they were too embarrassed to tell anyone. Communication is essential to stopping head lice in your area.
Head Lice Does Not Make You Dirty or Gross
The truth is actually just the opposite. Head lice are more drawn to clean hair because they are more easily able to grasp the strands. Head lice is the second most common communicable disease in elementary school-age children. This is a common problem that can affect anyone. Any mature, caring adult can understand that.
Be Empowered With Information
Before you venture into the conversation with other parents, arm yourself with the facts about head lice. Lice Clinics of Texas has valuable information on our website available to you so that you understand exactly what you are dealing with and the best ways to prevent and cure it. Share this information with other parents and save them the headache and stress of not knowing!
Send a Letter, Email or Group Message Anonymously Through the Teacher, Leader, or Coach
Some parents may not feel comfortable speaking to other parents. Whether that is the case or you just don’t have the time, a common trend is for letters to be sent out through email or with coaches/teachers of groups. This way the parents/child dealing with head lice can still be left anonymous if they choose, and everyone is equally informed of the information they need to prevent lice in their homes.
Call Lice Clinics of Texas today, where we can answer any questions you may have, help keep you informed and offer the support you need during this stressful situation.