Head Lice-To Tell or Not?!

Hello Moms-As schools open and children return from constant play dates, activities at camp, or being with friends at the swimming pool, they have an increased chance of carrying head lice. It’s a very busy time for lice professionals and I wanted to share my thoughts on the one question I get asked most often….do I tell my child’s friends/the school nurse that my child has lice???

As the leading lice treatment professional in the Dublin/Powell market, I have a pretty strong opinion on this, and it might not be what you would think! My answer is, it depends. You see, my loyalty is to my clients and their wellbeing and lice still carries a very real social stigma that can cause long lasting emotional and social impacts on your child. If you have a child under age 7, the stigma is lessened, as younger kids really don’t give it much thought. For kids over the age of 7, especially middle school girls, I caution my clients to think very hard before they “out” their daughter. I have heard horror stories of girls being un-invited to slumber parties months after they have been treated. I personally would NOT tell my child’s friends unless it were in an anonymous manner. (A service that I offer. More details below). 

I feel encouraged that we are getting more and more discussion on this board around lice…as we educate people on how it is (and more importantly IS NOT) transmitted, the stigma lessens! If you want to tell friends and schools, but don’t want everyone to know your child had lice, I offer an anonymous e-mail notification system. I DO agree you should notify the school and your child’s playmates, however, my preferred method is to anonymously let them know that someone their child socializes with has recently been diagnosed. Please visit my website for more details. 

Please share any stories you have heard of the social consequences of having lice. Either from your childhood or stories you have heard. I am interested to hear if people agree with my thoughts. 

If you suspect your child has lice, please contact the Dublin Lice Nanny. www.TheDublinLiceNanny.com and as always, I am here for questions!