How to Avoid the Back-To-School Cold

 

 

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.