No parent wants their child to come home from school or summer camp with a head full of lice; unfortunately, most will experience it at some point during their adolescence. Although everyone is theoretically susceptible, kids are most prone because they spend so much time in close contact with one another—in the classroom, gym, at sleepovers, and on the school bus. Below, a friendly pediatrician at Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic, PSC, in Kentucky shares three tips for teaching your little ones about these itchy pests.

Pediatrician’s Guide to Speaking to Your Kids About Lice

1. Head to the Local Bookstore

If you’re not sure how to put an idea into words so your children will understand, chances are you don’t have to because someone else already has. Head to the local bookstore or browse your favorite online retailer for kid’s books about head lice. Look for age-appropriate options and tackle the subject engagingly to help you get the conversation started.

2. Take Preventative Measures at Home

If you have a large family, everyone might share certain items, like hats and hairbrushes, for convenience. Although there is nothing wrong with this, children who get used to sharing these may be more inclined to do so at school with other students. Talk to your little ones about what belongings are less hygienic to share.

3. Reassure Them That Infestations Are Common

Although you should do everything in your power to prevent it from entering your home, your kid’s activities may make an infestation inevitable. Tell your young ones how common they are, so they do not feel ashamed or embarrassed if they happen to get head lice. According to the CDC, up to 12 million children between the ages of 3 and 11 suffer from lice annually, so it is a fairly widespread condition.

If your children get lice despite your best efforts, a compassionate pediatrician from Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic, PSC, will help you combat the infestation. To learn more about the care the facility provides, like managing asthma and diabetes, visit their website. You can also schedule an appointment with by calling (270) 259-5641 today.