Here we are in mid-September and my family has already been hit with the inevitable back-to-school cold. It almost seems unavoidable especially with both my girls in the germ factory known as Kindergarten.
It is difficult for school-aged kids to avoid getting colds completely, especially when in a play-based environment like Kindergarten, but there are things we as parents can do to help our kids avoid getting sick.
Demonstrate Proper Hand Washing Techniques
Hand-washing is our first line of defence when it comes to germs and avoiding the cold and other contagions so it is important to keep reminding your children to make a habit of it. Demonstrate how to wash your hands with warm water and soap really well, getting in between fingers and over the back of hands as well as palms. Again, setting a good example and reinforcing at home is key here to having them wash their hands diligently throughout their school day.
Create a Regular Sleep Routine
Plenty of good quality sleep is important in maintaining a healthy immune system and school-aged children may need 10 or more hours of sleep a night. A consistent bedtime routine once they are back in school is key to ensuring your kids regularly get enough sleep. Of course getting in a regular 8 hours of sleep a night yourself is a great way of setting a good example.
Make Better Food Choices
Feed your family with healthy foods that will fuel their bodies. A balanced diet including fruits and vegetables provides nutrition that supports healthy bodies and helps to maintain a strong immune system. Don’t forget to include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt in your family’s diet. Probiotics have been shown to support resistance to infections.
Teach Kids Not To Share Utensils and Dishes
Germs are passed through saliva which means that sharing utensils, cups, water bottles, and other dishes can transfer an infection from one person to another. Teach your child to avoid this type of sharing at home and in school.
Keep them Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water may help with some immune functions, and is otherwise part of a healthy lifestyle. Water helps your body function at optimum levels and has a huge positive impact on your immune system. Encourage them to use the water fountain at school when possible and at home.
Put their Elbows to Work
No wipes or tissues on hand? Teach your children to sneeze and cough into the crook of their elbows instead of into their hands.
Grab the Wipes
Boogie Wipes that is. It is important to remind our kids to wipe their noses properly to help avoid spreading germs from runny and congested noses. Nothing helps soothe a runny nose like a Boogie Wipe. Ever had a cold and ended up with a red rash under your nose from wiping with tissues? Not fun for you and not fun for your little ones.
Boogie Wipes have no harsh or drying chemicals and the natural saline solution dissolves mucus without irritation – and they moistures with Vitamin E, Aloe and Chamomile. They’re also phthalate and paraben free!
My kids especially love the grape scented Boogie Wipes. Since we have had them on hand I have noticed they are much more likely to grab a Boogie Wipe and wipe their nose properly instead of having to be reminded that their sleeves are not for wiping their noses.
Ensuring that your child is healthy is important but we can’t always keep the sniffles away – pick up Boogie Wipes now at a retailer near you.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Nehemiah Blogger Ambassador Program. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
Lynda Cook says
Great tips and the boogie wipes are the best!!
Florence Cochrane says
Love the boogie wipes and so do the grandchildren
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These are great tips. I make sure my kids’ hands are clean at all times. They wash them every time they come in the house, and I always make sure they eat plenty of oranges.
Jeni Hawkins says
Look how adorable they are!!! Love it! I like that you added eating better and making healthier food choices. Healthy body starts with that, for sure.
Vera Sweeney says
I LOVE Boogie Wipes! They are so great for on the go cleaning of hands and faces. I even keep them in the car to make sure I don’t look like a mess if I stop for a quick bite at the drive through.
Natalie says
Ohh the common cold, never a fun one to deal with! These are great tips to keep the germs and virus away when the young ones go back to school. These wipes sound great.
Jeanette says
This comes a day late and a dollar short LOL. My son woke up with a cold yesterday so we are fighting it. I have never tried the boogie wipes.
Connie says
Love these wipes. It’s definitely that time of year. Ready or not, here it comes.
Michelle Waller says
These are really awesome tips. Sadly, we have already started back to school and have our first cold of the year. We love Boogie Wipes but I always forget to pick them up when I go to the store.
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
Great tips here. Sadly many have already come down with a case of “Backtoschoolitis” I am serious that I think that is a thing. This will prevent further outbreaks though thank goodness. NO ONE likes school germs.
Sapphire Kharyzma says
She is so cute! These were some great tips! My son almost came down with the Back-to-School cold but I made sure to increase his Vitamin C and dress him appropriately!
Kathy says
Sadly the sickness has already hit our house. My daughters and I have colds. With the weather getting cooler, I knew it was coming. We love those Boogie wipes too!
Amy Desrosiers says
Sadly my kids already brought one home. I suffer the worst and still have a lingering cough!
Marysa says
My kids have already had colds since school started. It’s no fun!
Boogie Wipes were pretty much the only way I could wipe their noses when they were little, because their little noses were so sore!
Brianne says
Boogie wipes are our absolute favorite. But ugh we have cold already and it’s only been one week!
Dawn Lopez says
I always dread back to school time because I know the onslaught of illness won’t be far behind. These are all excellent tips. I think hand washing is so important!
LaShawn says
The back to school cold gets us every year! Boogie wipes have always been my favorite. LOL. I should own stock in them
Lisa Bristol says
I need to pick up some Boogie Wipes. My kids are always catching a cold when school starts up again. This year I made sure to give them a few containers of hand sanitizer.
TColeman says
Colds always seem like they are inevitable when school starts back. These are such great tips to try and keep them away.
Jenn Mitchell says
We normally go through this at least twice a year and it is awful. I am so glad for these reminders.
Pam says
These are all great tips for avoiding back to school viruses. Hand washing is key!
Sarah says
I also agree that getting a good night’s sleep is helpful in keeping sickness away. I hate when the kids get sick, it spreads so quick to everyone in the house.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This boogie wipe sounds great for kids! But I hope we won’t catch a cold this school year! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Joely Smith says
Really great tips! All of these things are in fact key to preventing a cold! Not just washing hands but good rest is also key as you said!
ricci says
Boogie Wipes are such a great invention. My niece used to have such a dry nose all the time and it would get chapped and peel but Boogie Wipes have saved her poor little face!!
krystal says
Being hydrated is so important! I use these wipes pretty often with my kiddo!
rebekah says
I am a pharmacist, and I know how important it is to prevent a cold before it happens! Boogie wipes are a lifesaver!
Marissa Zurfluh says
Boggie wipes are so awesome. Soft for sore noses and you can generally find them at the Dollar Store.
Slap Dash Mom says
I used Boogie Wipes all the time when my kids were little! Without fail, everyone seems to get sick a few weeks after school starts. Every. Single. Year. Great way to stay protected!
Shannon Gurnee says
It is definitely that time of year for the sickies. It’s important for our kids to take their vitamins, drink enough water and get enough sleep to help prevent getting sick.
HilLesha says
Great tips! Oddly, my oldest son and I never got sick until he started going to school. Now, we’ve experienced everything from countless sinus infections to strep throat.
Aduke Schulist says
Wash! If you can’t wash, sanitize. If you can’ t sanitize, then these wipes work too. I keep some in my purse for times when water isn’t available.
Allison says
I agree with everything on this list. Not just for kids but for everyone. Sleep, Diet, and Exercise is the answer to everything. oh and proper hygiene of course!
Adaleta says
How cool are these!! I think it is really great to make a routine right away, nothing worse than getting sick!
Laurie P says
second week of school and my kiddo got the sniffles with a cough. good times.
kathy downey says
School’s in less than a month and we are all sick with colds and those are the best wipes ever!
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
It’s always the same when kids go back to school, the germs spread and someone catches a cold and then passes it on and so the cycle continues. Best thing to do is train your kids to wash their hands as soon as they get home, that does help.