Kids share more than glue and Goldfish when they return to the classroom. As any parent knows, they’re likely passing around plenty of germs too. While that’s pretty much inevitable for little ones, there are simple ways we can help them ward off illness as they return to school.
1. Prevent the Spread
Teaching children proper handwashing is key to reducing the spread of germs. You may want to help your child brush up on the basics and make a good habit of washing their hands. Lather hands with warm water and soap and rub for 15–20 seconds. Make it fun by singing “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” twice while scrubbing. Then rinse the soap, dry hands with paper towels, and use the paper towels to turn off the water. Hand sanitizer can also be used instead when hands aren’t visibly dirty.
Coughing or sneezing into hands and then touching a surface is one way for germs to spread quickly. Remind your child to use their elbow to catch their coughs and sneezes instead. They should also try to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent giving or getting germs. If your child does get sick, keep them home until their symptoms are improving and they’ve been fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours. This helps prevent them from sharing their illness with other students or teachers.
2. Keep Up with Vaccines
Make sure your family is up to date on their vaccines. Some diseases such as hepatitis B, chickenpox, pertussis (also known as whooping cough), pneumococcus, and tetanus are very common, and their germs are present in the environment all around us. Not being vaccinated puts children at a very real risk of catching these avoidable ailments.
The influenza vaccine is another important one. It’s recommended that everyone 6 months and older gets a flu shot annually. It’s best to get it by the end of October to allow antibodies to develop and offer protection as flu hits its peak, usually between December and February. It’s never too late though — some protection is better than none.
3. Have an Action Plan
Kids with underlying health conditions can be more susceptible to common colds and other illnesses that may get passed around at school. If your child has asthma, diabetes, or another health condition that requires medication or care at school, you should develop a plan with your child’s pediatrician or medical provider. This plan will allow school personnel to legally provide this medicine or related treatment. It also alerts their teachers and the school nurse to keep an eye on them for any signs of illness.
4. Establish Routines
Getting on a school year schedule with time set aside for family meals, sleep, reading, homework, and exercise can help keep everyone healthy too. Kids thrive on routines, so they’ll enjoy participating and knowing what to expect. Schedules may have to flex a bit to accommodate the sometimes chaotic nature of family life, and that’s okay!
When it comes to sleep, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends school-age children (6–12 years) get 9–12 hours and teens (13–18 years) get 8–10 hours of sleep each night. The right amount of sleep helps kids with their attention, learning, memory, emotional regulation, and overall physical and mental health. Help promote quality sleep for your child with regular bedtimes and wake times, turning screens off at least an hour before bedtime, and setting a good example by prioritizing your own sleep along with other healthy habits.
5. Make Room for Mental Health
Returning to school after summer break can trigger anxiety and stress. While germs directly impact physical health, mental health is also an essential part of overall wellbeing. Keep an open line of communication with your child and take note of changes to their family relationships, friendships, academic performance, and self-esteem. If you have concerns, reach out to their school counselor or pediatrician. You know your child best, but caring for kids takes a team.
