Kids bring home more than just homework from school. We are talking about germs! Studies from Lysol show that some of the most germiest places at school include the restroom door, lunch trays and lunch boxes, desks, classroom supplies, and the drinking fountain. With cold and flu season upon us, I’ve collected a few ways we can help keep our families and schools germ-free.
Wash Hands
Teaching kids how to wash their hands is super important, but what’s also important is when we wash our hands. Even the best hand-washing practice won’t keep you safe if you aren’t washing enough or at the correct times. Some great times to remind kids to clean are eating, using the bathroom, recess, snacking, and doing so right when they get home! Not only will this build good habits, but frequent and thorough hand washing helps prevent the spread of pink-eye, hepatitis A, and diarrhea-related illnesses. Say less!
Personal Bubbles
Do you remember having a personal space bubble? Essentially, picture a giant bubble around your body. Nobody should be close enough to come into or pop your bubble. Maybe some of us know this better than the 6 feet rule after 2020. Remind kids and others not to be so close. While playing together is fun, exchanging germs is not.
Vampire Sneeze
Yet another reference from my childhood is the vampire sneeze. We can’t help when we feel itching and need to SNEEZE, but sneezing safely is essential. Teach kids to hold their elbow up and sense into the crook of their arm, almost like they are vampires and sneezing into their cloaks. This method helps prevent germs from traveling through the air at super speed.
Dos and Don’ts of Sharing
We want our kids to learn to share, but having a list of things we should and shouldn’t share can be helpful! Things we don’t share include drinks, food, earbuds/headphones, clothes, and any personal items that may touch their mouth or face. Teachers can join the team and remind students what items in the class are for sharing and what items should be wiped down after use, such as tablets and tables.
High Touch Zones
As mentioned above, the school has some handy and high-touch zones. We can’t avoid these things altogether, but we can use proper etiquette before and after. Here are some ways to battle the germs back. Wipe tables when coming into the classroom in the am. Wash hands before eating. Keep hands down while walking in hallways. Sanitize lunch boxes and trays each day. Bringing a water bottle from home. And always wash hands after using the restroom.
Bag- teria
A new term to me, but a genius, is the word bag-teria, which describes the germs that travel with us in our bags. Imagine where we place the bags: dirty hallways, busy bathrooms, muddy parks, and dusty playgrounds. Give these items and the things in them a good wipe down regularly to keep germs at bay, and remind the family to put them away and off surfaces that could be used for preparing food.
Talk to Doc
I am not a doctor. However, I recommend talking to your family doctor about ways to help keep you safe this season. Some things you might discuss include but are not limited to getting the flu shot, taking vitamins, researching probiotics, or getting other immunizations.
Staying Healthy
All these tips are essential, but one of the biggest tips we can share with our families is taking care of our bodies. Restful sleep, healthy foods, and regular exercise are all ways we can improve our health and keep our bodies happy. You are less likely to get sick when your body is well cared for.
No, we won’t be able to avoid germs at school, and we won’t be able to avoid bringing them home. However, if not eliminated, most bugs will be reduced with frequent hand washing and all the tips listed above. Encourage your families to follow these tips throughout the day so they can spend more time playing!
