The school year brings fun and countless opportunities for your child to learn at their private school in Orlando. However, it also brings with it the increased risk of colds, flu, and viruses. Nothing takes the wind out of your child’s sails like catching a cold in the middle of the school week! Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to keep both your child and the rest of the family healthy and happy this fall.

Wash Your Hands

Handwashing helps get rid of germs and bacteria that you pick up from the surfaces you touch, and it can go a long way towards helping your child stay healthy at school. Encourage them to wash their hands before they eat or touch their faces. To make sure they scrub their hands long enough, teach them timing by singing “Happy Birthday,” or run through their ABCs while they scrub with soap. If your child is self-conscious, remind them that they can sing the song in their head.

Make Sure They Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is the best way for kids (and adults!) to recharge, and it has a major impact on the immune system. When you get enough sleep, your immune system is better prepared to stave off the common cold, influenza, and other viruses. As a general rule, try to make sure your family (both kids and adults) get about eight hours of sleep each night.

Avoid Junk Food

One of the easiest ways to keep your kids healthy during the school year is to help them eat a well-balanced diet. Pack nutritious lunches and snacks with fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains rather than high-fat or sugary foods. Whole foods are filled with vitamins and nutrients that the body needs to support a healthy immune system. If your kids are picky eaters, try to get them excited about those healthy foods by getting them involved in the cooking process.  

Cover Your Cough

Coughs and sneezes have a way of sneaking up on kids, and if they’re sick, those germs can spread quickly. Teach your child to cover their coughs and sneezes with the crook of their arm rather than their hands to reduce the spread of germs. If your child has difficulty raising their arm to their mouth, encourage them to cough or sneeze into their shirt.

By following these tips, your family will be better prepared to face the coming cold and flu season. For more helpful suggestions to keep your kids enjoying their time at their private school in Orlando, check out our blog!