The Germs Are Back in Town

The Scenario:

You’ve just bent down to eye level with little Christopher after he sweetly asked for help to tie his shoe. Just as you smile and make eye contact with him, it happens. “Ahh-Chooooo!”School is back in full swing now, and chances are, as you are reading this, the kiddos in your care have already come down with sniffles. They might have even missed a day or two of school due to a full blown cold. Even though you have a wonderful nanny who cares for them at home, it’s no fun for anyone to be sick.To create Shangri-La for viruses and bacteria, simply combine two ingredients: Children who are still learning self-care practices, and an environment in which they are spending hours around each other in close-quarters. I can practically hear the Limbo dance contest starting!Although it may seem like a losing battle, even the smallest effort can make a big difference when it comes to stopping germs in their tracks.

Self-Care:

Children love games! Anything that you can turn into a challenge or fun activity will help engage kids and drive the lesson home a little better. Instead of a boring reminder to cover their nose or mouth, challenge them to “Catch the Germs” with their hands (or elbows for older children). Remind them that they have ‘captured’ the germs and now they need to be washed down the drain with soap and water. Try a newer washing song instead of the usual ABC or Mary Had a Little Lamb. My personal favorite is the chorus of Disney’s “Let it Go.” It’s just about 20 seconds and kids adore singing to it!

Routine:

Even though they may sometimes not show it, young children find a great deal of comfort in routine. The Before/After rule is an easy one to encourage (Before Eating, After Coming Inside, After Using the Bathroom, Before Buckling Up), and schools’ policies on hand-washing/sanitizing should reflect this as well. It’s a good idea to keep a spray or pump bottle of anti-bacterial sanitizer in the car so that as soon as they are seated, children can clean their hands. Little fingers and hands tend to go right for the face after buckling up, so this is a great time to sanitize.One of our personal favorites here at My Girl Friday is Everyday Shea Foaming Hand Sanitizer from Whole Foods. It’s alcohol free and tender skin-friendly. Plus, it comes in Vanilla Mint or Lavender, which smell so much better than the alcohol-based sanitizers! EO Botanical Lavender Hand Sanitizer uses sugar cane ethanol Lavender essential oil, so it is both relaxing and gentle on little hands.

Ways you can help:

• Probiotics and vitamins can cover the bases that diet alone might not.

• Encourage kids to drink water and low/no sugar drinks. Staying hydrated can help the immune system do its job.

• Donate helpful supplies to your child’s classroom. Tissues, hand-sanitizer, foaming hand soap or other items are always in demand during cold and flu season.

• Make sure kids are getting outside and getting fresh air, even when it gets cool out. Fresh air does a body good!

By: Leanne Powell, 2016