Parents' attitudes to self-medication by their asthmatic children

Parents have previously been underconsulted concerning their attitudes to asthma self-medication in the primary school. Parents have a wealth of experience to contribute to asthma care. This should be acknowledged while the child is in school. Parents' practices concerning self-medication by their child may differ from their beliefs and attitudes. Parents' recommendations or support for school practice concerning self-medication may be at variance with attitudes and practice in the home. The health-promoting school has an important role to play in encouraging self-medication and self-responsibility for health from the earliest possible age. Parents should be involved with school staff in formulating and implementing school medications policies.