Tips for Fighting Off Back-to-School Germs
The back-to-school season is known to come with stuffy noses and stomach bugs, so it’s important that we do everything we can to prevent the spread of germs! Here are some reminders of how we can help our kids stay safe this flu season.
We have also included a printable sheet that can be hung on a bathroom mirror or wall near the sink to help remind kids best practices when it comes to hand washing!
Pack Personal Hygiene Products in Your Child’s Backpack
Including a kit with essentials like tissues, wipes, and hand sanitizer can help your child keep their school supplies and hands germ free. It can be a good idea to put together a small pencil case with any of these items to keep in their desk, backpack, or locker. You can also include other personal care items they may need depending on their age.
Don’t Share Water Bottles
We all want our children to stay hydrated throughout the day, but it is important that before sending them off to school with their favorite bottle, they know that their water bottle is for their mouth only! It’s especially important to teach this to younger kids who may think “sharing is caring” and clarify that is not the case when it comes to germs!
Another group that may need to be reminded of this is those who participate in team sports, be sure to label your child’s water bottle to prevent mix ups during practice.
Teach Kids to Cover Their Coughs and Sneezes
The impulse to sneeze or cough into our arm is not one that comes naturally, any parent who has received a toddler cough directly to the face can tell you this. Which is why we must teach our kids to sneeze like Dracula or to use a tissue! Pulling their ‘cape’ or tissue over their mouth and nose and keeping their germs contained can help keep everyone safe this flu season.
It is also important to teach them what to do if they forget to cover their sneeze. If they don’t quite make it to cover their nose, let them know that it is okay, to excuse themselves, grab a tissue to clean up, and be sure to sanitize their hand and use a wipe if they sneezed on a desk or a toy.
This is something your child’s OT can help them practice, along with other skills like blowing their nose and hand washing!
Practice Proper Hand-Washing Technique
Hand Washing is key to reducing the spread of germs all year round! But it is important to make sure we are teaching kids to do it properly, or it is less effective. Especially for children who struggle with fine motor skills, it is important to practice these skills!
Standard Hand Washing Guidelines:
Wet hands with warm water.
Apply soap.
Lather for at least 20 seconds, ensuring that they soap reaches all parts of the hand.
Rinse with warm water.
Dry!
Here is a printable visual guide to help your kids remember these steps when hand washing. It is a good idea to hang a visual aide like this above the sink for your child to reference at home.
