Sometimes it's hard to know if your child is really coming down with something or just suffering a bout of Mondayitis.

For safety's sake, if your child seems unwell you should always keep them home from school and seek medical advice.

However, if they miraculously recover by 11:00am, ready to race around the backyard, keeping them in bed all day may send the message that staying home isn't nearly as much fun as going to school.

The School A to Z website's Too Sick For School? chart will help answer your questions about common childhood illness and how long sick kids need to miss school.

Find more parent tips on the School A to Z website.

PLEASE NOTE: This information has been supplied by NSW Health and is not intended to replace a visit to your doctor if anyone in your family is unwell.