my middle schoolers are running The Mile tomorrow

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Nov 30, 2018

Yep. And there are always the kids with the notes from home to excuse them for whatever vague, old, fake, etc injuries that prevent them from running, but are somehow fine when they have club sports after school.

Had a student constantly complaining of every sprain you could imagine, even forged a note to get out of PE. She was in club softball and basketball, never missed a practice. You can be sure I called the mother EVERY time she came to my office.

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2018

Gotta wonder how much of that was legitimate- a symptom of anxiety or stress or fear of the run- vs. manipulative- consciously trying to get out of doing it.
It's hard to tell sometimes, b/c the manipulators are getting more and more skilled.
But I think it's better to be compassionate and give the benefit of the doubt, and maybe teach them some quick stress/anxiety reduction techniques (there's an app for that... so you can let them listen to the guided imagery, while you keep manning the desk) than automatically treat almost everyone coming in like they are faking. The non-fakers usually will at least try the relaxation techniques, because they want to feel better.

I'm glad things went well, though. And good on you for thanking the PE teacher....you know, effects of positive reinforcement and all that...

The irony is that running would be great for the anxiety...

kidzcare · Nov 30, 2018

The irony is that running would be great for the anxiety...

That's what I tell the older girls about menstrual cramps. They will ask to sit out of PE (or other activities when I work at camp over the summer) and I tell them the exercise will help with cramps! No need to sit with a heating pad- get out there and be active!

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2018

That's what I tell the older girls about menstrual cramps. They will ask to sit out of PE (or other activities when I work at camp over the summer) and I tell them the exercise will help with cramps! No need to sit with a heating pad- get out there and be active!

Yep - I tell girls this all the time. And also, unless you have a doctor's note, typical menstrual cramps are not a medical excuse to skip gym. Sorry, ladies.