Nursery School: Yes or No?

The immune system of children strengthens as they grow and are exposed to different pathogens. Many parents believe that their child has a weak immune system because they are “always sick.” However, they are simply connecting colds with viral infections, gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, etc., while their immune system learns to fight them.

There is a debate about whether children should or should not attend nursery school at an early age. Although some cases should be evaluated on an individual basis, generally, children under 12 months interact less with other children and are more prone to getting sick. At this age, those who attend nursery school usually do so out of work-related needs.

As they grow, children become more active and curious, and many “ask” for a change of environment for a few hours. Nursery school offers many benefits that they don’t have at home: stimulation, learning to share, getting used to being with other people, learning vocabulary, etc. On the other hand, most acquired illnesses are trivial and self-limiting because they are usually of viral origin. These illnesses usually improve in 2-3 days without needing antibiotics or other medical treatments, and the child becomes active again with slightly stronger defenses.

However, as mentioned before, certain cases need to be evaluated on an individual basis. Those who require antibiotics or bronchodilators repeatedly may need to consider avoiding exposure to germ-laden environments, at least during the winter months.

Whatever decision is made, it is important to understand that mucus and coughing are part of the maturation process of the children’s immune system. Children under 6 years old can have up to one cold per month or even have one cold after another, making it seem like they can never get rid of them. If the child is active, happy, eats well, and sleeps relatively well, treatment should be limited to nasal washes with saline solution and living a completely normal life, continuing to go to the park, nursery school, and birthday parties.