With school just around the corner, exposure to flu or colds is common. When there are many kids in the area, sickness can spread rapidly. There are secrets to completely protect kids from germs and bacteria. But as they say, prevention is always better than cure.
Here are some parenting tips on how to keep your child from getting sick at school.
How to keep your child from getting sick at school?
Get enough sleep
Sleep, as we all know, is very important. As we sleep, our bodies heal. Adults need at least 8 hours of sleep a day to become productive. Kids need 10 to 12 hours of sleep a day. This helps build their immunity and build resistance. Avoid screen time at least one hour before bedtime to help your child fall asleep faster. Also, having a good night’s rest will keep the body refreshed and produce more energy to fight off bacteria, germs, and infection.
Eat a well-balanced diet
Planning a healthy meal is important to ensure that your child is protected from any sickness. Kids should have well-balanced meals throughout the day. Pack some veggies, fruits, and lots of water for lunch. Yogurt is also a good probiotic that helps build the immune system.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon or mackerel help produce proteins in the body. These proteins are needed to help clear out flu viruses from the body. Make sure that your child is getting enough vitamins and minerals.
Good washing habits
Teach your child to wash their hands often – before and after eating, after using the restroom, or playing with toys or on the playground. Carry hand sanitizer on the go. Clean hands are the biggest threats to germs and bacteria.
Cover mouth when sneezing or coughing
There are techniques on how to do this properly. Experts say that sneezing through the elbow will minimize the spreading of germs. Use a tissue or handkerchief when coughing.
Regular exercise
Constant movement helps boost the immune system. Pediatricians recommend that kids should at least move every hour. It is a known fact that active kids are healthier and less likely to get sick in school.
Personal space
When someone is sick in school, advise your child to give them space. There is no need to ignore them completely. Just avoid body contact and try not to use items that have been used by the sick child. This includes items such as books, markers, or toys. Sharing these things allow germs to spread quickly. Teachers could also provide school materials to the students so that there is no need to borrow.
Avoid sharing drinks or food
While sharing is a generous act, minimize drinking from the same bottle or container. Individually pack snacks or provide your child with their own drinking bottle. Inform them to use utensils as well when eating as this will less likely contaminate food with germs.
Sanitize, spray, and leave shoes outside
Regularly sanitize items or surfaces that your child uses often. Cellphones, desktops, or laptops must be cleaned daily to avoid spreading germs. Backpacks must also be washed, wiped and sprayed with disinfectant every two weeks.
Upon arriving home from school, leave shoes and backpacks by the door. These items could pick up germs from school buses, restrooms, or classrooms. Leaving shoes outside will keep germs and bacteria from spreading at home.
Keep hands off face, nose, and mouth
Inform your child to keep their hands off their mouth, nose, and face. These are the three major areas germs can easily access the body. Use a tissue if needed. If your child is into nail-biting, teach them to break the habit. Germs like to hide underneath the nails.
While these are just helpful tips to keep your child from getting sick at school, it is also important to have flu shots and regular visits to the pediatrician.
Lastly, it is also important to also check the school’s policy regarding sick kids and ensure that they are well implemented.
Children Central is the preschool you can trust to ensure that your child’s well-being is prioritized. We understand the importance of cleanliness and a healthy body. Our teachers are equipped with proper training and skills to provide the needed care and attention your child deserves.
