Nine ways to keep back-to-school germs at bay
How to keep germs to a minimum in a school environment as the academic year begins.
As the back-to-school season rolls in, parents everywhere brace themselves for the inevitable wave of germs that accompany the start of the academic year. With classrooms being a hotbed for bacteria and viruses, it’s no wonder that many children find themselves under the weather. However, the great news is that with a bit of diligence and some proactive measures, you’ll help your little ones dodge those pesky germs and stay healthy. Here are ten simple practices that will allow your children kick off the school year in top form.
Teach proper handwashing
The cornerstone of germ prevention is proper handwashing. It’s wise to teach your children how to wash their hands effectively – using soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, and not forgetting the backs of their hands and under their nails. Make it a fun activity by singing a short song like ‘Happy Birthday’ twice to ensure they get the timing right.
Pack hand sanitiser
For times when soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitiser is the next best thing. Slip a small bottle into your child’s backpack and encourage its use, especially before eating lunch or snacks. Try to opt for a sanitiser specifically designed for children’s sensitive skin.
Keep hands clean with wipes
Sanitiser is great, but having antibacterial wipes on hand adds an extra layer of protection that is really simple for kids to use. Pack a small pouch of these wipes in your child’s backpack so they are able to quickly and easily clean their hands before meals, after using any shared equipment, or when they’ve been playing outside. Wipes can also be used to clean surfaces such as desks and keyboards if needed, reducing the chances of coming into contact with germs.
Boost their immune system
A strong immune system is a child’s best defence against germs. To the best of your abilities, make sure your little ones are eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Foods high in vitamins C and D, as well as zinc, are known to bolster their immunity. Consider supplements if you feel it’s necessary, but always consult with a healthcare provider first.
The no sharing rule
While sharing is a virtue, when it comes to preventing the spread of germs, it’s better to teach your children not to share personal items like water bottles, food, utensils and even pencils or other school supplies. This small adjustment might seem fussy, but if you have a child who is prone to catching every bug that goes around the classroom, this small rule may significantly reduce the risk of transmitting infections.
Keep things clean!
Backpacks, lunchboxes and water bottles are breeding grounds for bacteria. So, it’s good to make it a habit to clean these items regularly. A simple weekly wipe-down with disinfectant wipes really helps keep these surfaces germ-free. Don’t forget to remind your child to bring home their lunchbox daily, for a thorough clean!
Good respiratory hygiene
It might seem obvious, but take the time to teach your children to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze. This simple practice is one that many kids neglect and it genuinely helps prevent the spread of germs through airborne droplets. Additionally, it’s always best to remind little ones to dispose of tissues immediately and wash their hands afterwards as this might not be their inclination.
Keep sick children at home
As tempting as it may be to send your child to school with a mild sniffle, it’s actually better to keep them home if they’re showing signs of illness. This not only helps them recover more quickly but also prevents them from spreading germs to their classmates. Most schools have guidelines on when a child should stay home, so be sure to familiarise yourself with them.
Sleep and exercise
Both sleep and physical activity are cornerstones of building strong immunity, but these are easy to overlook in the hustle and bustle of getting back into the swing of the school year. So, take your chance to get ahead of this curve by establishing a consistent sleep routine for your little ones before school starts up – with the recommended amount of sleep being 9-11 hours per night for school-aged kids. Equally as important is encouraging your children to be active, whether through sports, outdoor play, or family activities like biking or hiking, in a way they can keep up with once their lessons begin.
With these nine strategies, your children will be well able to navigate the back-to-school season with fewer sick days and more of the healthy, happy moments you want for them. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping those school-time sniffles at bay!
Prepare to go back to school with WaterWipes™
As the back-to-school season approaches, ensuring your little one’s comfort and cleanliness as you prepare for their return to the classroom is a top priority. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes or preparing for after-school activities, it’s important to have the right essentials to hand. WaterWipes™ is the perfect companion for your back-to-school needs, providing a gentle and effective clean for all skin types no matter where your kid’s school adventure takes them. Created and made in Ireland, WaterWipes™ are plant-based1 and plastic free2 wipes.
Specifically, WaterWipes™ Textured Clean are ideal for growing kids, with 99.9% water, a drop of fruit and berry extract for extra cleansing power. They are textured to tackle tough messes, but remain gentle on skin. WaterWipes are a must-have in every backpack!
- Wipe made from regenerated cellulose (viscose) utilising wood pulp as a precursor.
- Does not refer to the full product lifecycle nor the external plastic packing and relates to the wipes only.
Image credit: ShutterStock
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