Parenting Advice – Protecting Kids Against Germs

Let’s face it: schools are like breeding grounds for germs and viruses. There are a ton of kids, a ton of germs, and not enough protecting anyone against it. It’s always scary sending your child off to that kind of place unprepared, especially when viruses like the H1N1 flu are pervasive in that scene. So, who we protect them? Here are some of my tips to keeping your kids in shape:
1. I know everyone says to keep washing your hands. And you should. But, I know that most kids don’t get the opportunity to go the bathroom every so often to actually wash their hands. Most get only a few minutes between classes, and that’s just enough to go to their locker to grab some books. So, get them some antibacterial gel. And no, don’t get them a big bottle or even a “smaller” bottle. They explode in backpacks and kids don’t want the hassle. Purell says a super mini bottle with a specific plastic carrying case and hook- it’s perfect for any kind of bag.
2. Have the talk. Sit down with your kids, as begrudgingly as they might do so, and make sure to cover the importance of limiting germ exposure. No touching your face when sitting at a desk and no eating food without washing or “antibacterializing” your hands. Doesn’t work? Try giving them the image of millions of germs crawling all over the desk they’re sitting at, then eating them. Bobby probably picked his nose at that desk the class before, and trust me when I say you don’t want that with your PB&J.
3. Drink lots of liquids, especially water. Invest in a BPA free reusable water bottle, and keep it full! Water flushes out so many wastes from your body, and often, kids don’t get nearly enough because they don’t want to carry it or they don’t “have time” to worry about it. If that’s the case, go to a wholesale store like BJs or Costco and buy a case of mini water bottles. Stock their locker so that way they have no excuses.
4. Make sure they get sleep! When the body is tired, the immune system works to keep is going at a minimum level, and is not protecting the body at the best of its abilities. The chance of getting sick is exponentially higher when they haven’t slept so it doesn’t matter how much they want to go out or watch a movie- sleep is vital to their health!
I hope this helped. If you have any other ideas let me know and post them!