With the start of a new school year, it means that it’s also time to take more care of your child. You wouldn’t want them to miss half their classes because they kept getting sick, right?
How to keep your child from getting sick at school?
A child spends most of their time at school. The environment is very different from home as there are different kids around them. One thing you can’t avoid is kids getting sick at school.
That’s why it’s important to take care of their immune system when they start going to school. Parents should be wiser about enforcing rules so their children will avoid getting sick at school.
Here are eight ways to keep your child from getting sick at school:
Always wash hands before and after every meal
You may have heard about this before but it is still one of the golden rules. Washing your hands before eating or putting anything to your mouth is very important.
Studies have shown that washing hands can reduce the odds of catching colds by 30-50%. Quickly rinsing the hands does not count, it needs to be the full 20-second scrubbing.
Make handwashing before and after meals a habit. Make sure that your children wash their hands whenever they come home from school or outside.
Make washing their hands a routine, especially every time they use the toilet. To be extra secure, use hand sanitizer afterward.
Here are 5 steps in good and effective handwashing:
- Wet hands with water
- Lather soap into your palms, fingers, and the backs of your hands
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly with water
- Dry hands using a clean towel
Use proper utensils to eat
To keep kids from putting their hands in their mouths, have them use proper utensils. Using utensils teaches them proper table etiquette, as well as being less likely to taint the food.
Avoid touching the nose, mouth, or eyes
Teach your children to keep their hands off their faces, especially their eyes, nose, and mouth. These three body parts are where germs can easily enter the body.
If they really need to touch them, have them use a napkin or a tissue.
Teach them the proper way to sneeze or cough
When you need to sneeze, always cover your mouth. Hands can be good for covering the mouth but it’s better to use the elbows. This spreads germs less.
Let your kids get enough sleep
Children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep to keep their bodies well-rested. Getting enough sleep lets children wake up refreshed.
Do daily exercise
Pediatricians recommend that kids do physical exercises daily. Studies show that regular exercise can ward off colds and flu. Exercising gives a lot of benefits, but with today’s gadgets, kids tend to be lazier.
It can be a challenge to get kids to do physical activities. If it’s not too cold outside, have them enjoy the outdoors and play in the yard.
Have balanced meals
Plan your family meals ahead of time and make sure they are healthy for the body. A balanced meal will give your kids the nutrition they need. Pack healthy lunches, like fruits and veggies, for them to take to school.
Limit contact with other children who are sick
Children love to play together, but when one is sick, you should teach your child to limit contact with the one who is sick. Being in the same room will not make your healthy child get sick. However, having a sick kid face-to-face with a healthy kid will.
It will be hard to resist kissing your sick child but resist kissing them on the lips. This will just make spreading germs easier.
It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure their children have strong immune systems. Take care of your child. The tips above will help you keep your child from getting sick when they start school.
Are you looking for a good Montessori school? Check out Montessori School of Downtown today!