School is back in session and kids will be back socializing, sharing and, in some cases, spreading their germs. It is almost unavoidable – someone will get sick and it will spread with a sneeze or a sniffle or because he or she touched a railing or one of the other vast number of items kids use throughout the day. At least during the summer, parents can plan for their young ones being out of school. But for working parents, a child suddenly falling ill during the school year can be harder to manage, especially if he or she does not show any signs until it is time to catch the bus.
To prevent this and maintain their children's health and wellness, families should try to instill a sense of good habits and hygiene into their kids, particularly during chilly autumn and winter months.
One major habit parents should foster in their children is to stay clean. Many educational institutions offer hand sanitizer stations, which can help kill all the germs kids pick up throughout the school day. From desks to doorknobs, students' hands touch numerous objects that may not be hygienic. Washing their hands too many times can also be unhealthy, but parents who encourage them to do so before they eat and after recess or other physical activities can reduce the chance they get sick.
Vaccinations are another important measure, and the more kids that are vaccinated, the safer that all of them will be, since sickness will have fewer avenues into a school.
Children should also be reminded not to share combs, hats or other personal items. Parents who give their kids an extra comb on picture day may be thankful for the stress it saves them from later.
When all else fails
Of course, sometimes sickness cannot be helped. When that happens, parents should strive to get their kids healthy as soon as possible. Some children may enjoy time off from school, but no one wants to be bedridden, and parents do not want to see their kids in pain. The Light and Champion recently suggested that parents should take their children to a doctor for an evaluation if they appear to be sick. Finding the cause of the illness will let families know the best course of action to speed up the kids' recovery. Making medicine taste better through options like FlavorX can also encourage them to happily accept their treatment rather than try and avoid it.
