First snow, then random bouts of extra warm weather followed by the polar vortex, the weather has been crazy for families in the New Jersey! Between the dramatic temperature changes and battling stress at the start of the New Year, parents and children are in an all-out war fighting colds and the flu!
Here are a few quick tips to help you and your children stay healthy when everyone around you at the office and grocery store are spreading germs.
- Scrub-a-dub-dub! Wash your hands – well and often! Children in child care are taught to sing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ and continue washing their hands until the song is finished. A three second wash will not do it! Also, it is important to wash your hands often, especially before eating or preparing foods. Many grocery stores offer sanitizing wipes at the entrance so you can wash the handle of your shopping cart, which is helpful when shopping with a young infant or toddler. For your nursery school and preschool aged children, carry wet wipes at all times! A quick swipe of the hands and face after they grab something out of bounds can make all of the difference!
- Purse Ornaments! Pick up hand sanitizers and attach them to the outside of your diaper bags or purse for a quick grab during unexpected moments! Many stores offer a great selection of fun hand sanitizer covers with animals and fun designs – your child will be smitten!
- Manners, debunked! Although you may have been taught to cover your mouth or nose with your hand when coughing or sneezing, The Center for Disease Control reports that this practice can spread germs even faster! The CDC recommends coughing or sneezing into a tissue and if not possible the crook of your sleeve. Practice this technique to your child to reinforce what they are learning in their preschool. Pssst pass it along!
- Healthy Bodies are the Best Defense! In addition to these cold and flu fighting techniques, the best way to fight germs is from the inside out! Hydration, sufficient sleep, a nutritious diet and even moderate exercise will help your family fight the flu!
Still feeling overwhelmed? Not to worry, we’ve got your back! Lightbridge Academy is committed to helping you fight the battle against germs! All of our child care centers follow specific guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing our classrooms – including toys – throughout the day. A professional cleaning service comes in the evening to complete the deep cleaning. We embrace the highest standards in preventing the spread of germs to help prevent your child from getting sick. At naptime, children enjoy their own clean, comfortable cots – not floor mats, which can hold bacteria. Learn more about how quality childcare providers create healthy learning environments here on the Lightbridge Academy website.
