4 Ways To Keep Your Child From Getting Sick This Winter
It’s the beginning of winter, which means hot drinks, holiday parties, lots of friends and family, and battling colds and cases of flu all season long. Keep those runny noses (and school absences) to a minimum this year by taking steps to protect your kids from getting sick.
Make Hand Washing Fun
Mary Poppins was onto something when she turned tedious tasks into games! Hand washing can be a fun activity for children – and keep those pesky germs at bay. Sing a silly song to make sure your children are washing their hands long enough; experts suggest you wash your hands for at least twenty seconds. You can also use fun, foaming or colored soaps, or bar soap with a toy that is revealed as you wash your hands!
Wipe Down Surfaces Often
Surfaces that are touched, sneezed on, or even bumped into can harbor germs. Wipe down surfaces often, especially those places that are touched a lot, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops – even your phone and keys. Disinfectant wipes are great to have on hand for quick wipe downs throughout the day.
Discourage Sharing
The old adage “sharing is caring” doesn’t apply during cold and flu season. Send your children to school with their own supplies, since shared toys, markers, pencils, and glue can quickly spread illnesses. This also applies to cutlery, snacks and other food and drinks, which should never be shared!
Leave Illness at the Door
Have your children take off their shoes, backpacks and coats at the front door. That way, any germs are contained in one area, and sickness doesn’t have a chance to spread throughout the house. Shoes, bags, and outerwear touch all kinds of surfaces, from the playground to the bathroom.