Germ Busting Tips for Kids

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Written by Calie, Contributing Author

Even though my kids only go to school two days a week, I still start to get squirmy about germs this time of year. I know that within in a few weeks of their tutorial beginning I can expect to see noses start running, eyes start drooping, tummies start aching and voices start cracking. Like every mom, I want to do what I can to keep my kids healthy. I’ve done lots of detective work to seek out the most effective back to school germ busting tips.

Some of these are things we’ve been preaching to our kids for years and others are little known secrets. But all of them are effective if our kids actually put them into practice.

So, here they are, the top 10 germ busting tips to keep kids healthy as they head back to school.

Keep your fingers away from your face and out of your eyes, ears, nose and mouth. I know, easier said than done for most kids, but it doesn’t hurt to remind them.
Put tissues in their pocket (a mini pack or a few stray tissues) before they head out the door. Remind them to use them to wipe their nose or rub their eyes.
Wash your hands whenever you have the chance at school. If hand washing before lunch isn’t an option, pack an individually wrapped hand sanitizing wipe in their lunch box and remind them to clean their hands before they eat.
Spray their nasal passages with Xclear in the morning before they head off to school. This is especially helpful if they have seasonal allergies or a little cold. It keeps things loose and prevents germs from sticking inside their nasal passages. Xclear is just saline and a natural sugar. It doesn’t get into the body and it’s not medicated or addictive so it’s safe to use regularly.
Consider a Vitamin D or multi-vitamin supplement in the fall and winter when colds and flu are going around. Vitamin D is a great way to strengthen the immune system. We love the Sunshine Heroes brand from Nature’s Sunshine.
Wash their lunch box daily. Lunch boxes carry more than veggies and fruit to and from school. They also carry A LOT of germs. If they’re dishwasher safe, run them through the sanitizing cycle at the end of each day. If not, spray them down with vinegar and water and wipe them clean before packing a new lunch.
Backpacks are another huge germ culprit. They make their way onto tables, beds and desks and can transfer nasty germs to all of these surfaces. Wash backpacks once a week to minimize the spread of germs.
Reduce consumption of sugary foods before and during school. Consuming just a teaspoon of sugar weakens the immune system for up to 4 hours. To help the body fight germs, make sure to offer a low sugar breakfast and low sugar lunch. Avoid processed foods as much as possible. They are generally loaded with sugars.
Take shoes off at the door when you get home. This is a great tip all year round. It helps keep germs, allergens and dirt out of the house making it easier to keep clean. Plus, you won’t be searching the house for shoes that were kicked off under the couch.
Don’t stress about it. Everyone gets sick sometimes. It can be exhausting for us as moms and we all hate to see our kids feeling bad. Just remember, when they get sick their bodies are building up their ability to fight future infections.

Use these practical tips to stay healthy and fight germs, but don’t freak out if you forget to wipe down their lunch box one day.

Calie

Calie is a health coach, studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a novice cook obsessed with real food. She loves reading, traveling, and spending time in the kitchen with her husband of 10 years and their two rowdy boys. Calie is a home-school mama and a fitness enthusiast who is learning to love the outdoors. She's a former big city girl, born and raised in the North. After almost a decade in the South, she couldn't imagine calling any other place home. Visit Calie at BroccoliCupcake.com.