Kindergartners taking off clothes at school

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A kindergarten teacher told me that because it has been so hot lately, some of her students are taking off their shirts/disrobing in class. She has explained on several occasions that clothes stay on at school, but some kids aren't getting the picture. The teacher has asked me to talk briefly to her class about keeping clothes on, thinking that a "guess speaker" might have more impact. Thoughts/suggestions?

Specializes in ICU, Adventures in school nursing.

Clockwood - Definitely not your responsibility to talk to the K class about keeping their clothes on, but if your up to it kids are usually receptive to the nurse. They may just be mimicking behavior from home. My kids always liked to strip down to their undies when they were hot... thankfully not at school.

Spidey's Mom - could there be something medical going on with the kiddo in the bathroom all the time? Makes me think... I would check with his teacher to see if he's also asking to go to the water fountain several trips a day. Polyuria, polydipsia= sign of diabetes.

Yes, I agree parents have been a little lax teaching the personal hygiene after potty to this particular Kindergarten class in my school also. I've had a few actually send me wipes and notes requesting that I help their little precious after they have pooped. Nipped that... Happy to report all my little Kindergartener's are happily wiping their own tushies now :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Psych.

Thank you all so much for your replies. This is my first year nursing in a school setting... so when the teacher requested this of me, I was like whaaaa??? Seriously?! Haha. Apparently there are only a few select kids who begin to tug at/lift their shirts when it gets hot. I am going to recommend that the teacher get a fan for the classroom and/or a squirt/water mist bottle. I know that kinders are not the greatest at communicating, so rather than raising their hand and asking, "I'm hot, can I have a drink of water?" or "Can we open the door?" They'll just start striping. How this is a nursing issue I'm not sure.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Psych.

LOL to the toilet flushing

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Spidey's Mom - could there be something medical going on with the kiddo in the bathroom all the time? Makes me think... I would check with his teacher to see if he's also asking to go to the water fountain several trips a day. Polyuria, polydipsia= sign of diabetes.

Yes, I agree parents have been a little lax teaching the personal hygiene after potty to this particular Kindergarten class in my school also. I've had a few actually send me wipes and notes requesting that I help their little precious after they have pooped. Nipped that... Happy to report all my little Kindergartener's are happily wiping their own tushies now :)

I did follow up with parents regarding that - he has asthma as well. Parents aren't concerned but put a bug in their ear so to speak.

I personally purchased some wet wipes for one student to practice at home with - he simply couldn't wipe himself without making a mess in the bathroom. The janitor was not happy with his bathrooms skills.

The kiddo was happy - he told me that he told his siblings he is the only one who gets to use the wet wipes! :)

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

This is a weird request, "guest speaker", I agree.

I am in a health promo class, and we have been taught that the nursing paradigm includes the patient's interaction with their environment. So, I guess you could argue that this is a nursing issue. You could probably argue that every problem everywhere is a nursing issue.

You don't have time to handle every single problem. But I guess if you think it's important, there is always the potential to take action as the nurse.

If I had the time and impetus to address the problem, I don't think I would just agree to speak to the class without getting more info. I would go to the classroom and assess what is going on. Is it really too hot in there? If so, I would write a letter to the principal and/or board of ed stating that the room is too hot for a healthy learning environment and suggest a fan or air conditioner.

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maybe some of these kinder age students would have benefited from being held back a year? is it too late for that?

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I have a job offer lines for a school nurse, this kind of made my eyes bulge out of my head haha

I guess I know whats in store for me haha

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

At least it will be interesting:D

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Psych.

I think you have a good point about assessing first. I went to the classroom to observe, and one of the "offenders" kept pulling, tugging, and lifting his shirt. I noticed that his shirt looked uncomfortable (buttons, collar, stiff material) and he said the tag was bothering him.

I also read online that "lack of communication" is another reason kids may take off their clothes at inappropriate times. For example, if they are hot they might not have the skills yet to raise their hand and ask that the door be opened, or ask if they can get a drink of water.

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I think you have a good point about assessing first. I went to the classroom to observe, and one of the "offenders" kept pulling, tugging, and lifting his shirt. I noticed that his shirt looked uncomfortable (buttons, collar, stiff material) and he said the tag was bothering him.

I also read online that "lack of communication" is another reason kids may take off their clothes at inappropriate times. For example, if they are hot they might not have the skills yet to raise their hand and ask that the door be opened, or ask if they can get a drink of water.

i will repeat my previous thought, maybe they are too young to be in school, and should try again next year.

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