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Part of getting your kids ready for school is keeping them healthy. It’s better to prevent sickness than to try to fix it later.
Here are three tips to get you started.
My first tip may surprise you! One of the best ways to keep their bodies healthy is by letting them get a little dirty.
When your kids are playing in a park, do a pre-check to make sure there are no drug needles or feces around. If the dirt is “clean,” then it’s okay for them to get dirty. Dirt actually has good things in it that can help your body fight off bad germs.
Playing at parks or digging in the dirt helps kids learn and use their hands. Just remember to have them wash their hands before eating or touching their faces so germs can’t get inside their bodies.
Since COVID, many people use germ-fighting gels. It’s okay to let your kids use these gels instead of washing their hands when you can’t see the dirt. But using them too much can weaken their body’s protection. Why? Because we all need a small amount of germs so our immune systems can practice fighting them.
So, when your kids’ hands are dirty, let them wash with soap and water.
Handwashing Steps:Step 1: Wet hands with running water.
Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands.
Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including the back of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds (about the length of the “Happy Birthday” song). If you model it, they all can sing along and have fun.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water.
Second, let your children know that you love them by hugging them. Hugging may seem unimportant, but a hug can go a long way in showing your kids that you care. Humans need that contact with other humans. These reminders help them create a strong sense of worth. Plus, knowing someone loves them helps them learn to love themselves.
If your child does not like physical touch, you can just look them in the eyes and let them know you love them. Find a way to express your love that works for you and your child.
Last, make sure each child sees a doctor at least once a year. Going to the doctor for a healthy check-up helps reveal any hidden medical issues. Some things can be easy to fix if found early, but some can also get complicated or cause more issues if you wait until you see signs of a problem.
Most cities have community medical centers, and the doctors will work with you to ensure that your children will have the care they need whether you can pay for it or not. Many also have other services that can help you with transportation, as well as access to food and clothing.
It can be hard to ask for help when you need it, but that is why these services exist. Taking care of your children before an issue starts can save you a lot of time, frustration, and stress.
These three tips for your kids can help you too. If you take care of everyone else, remember to keep yourself in good health, too. A few minutes a day just for you makes it easier to take care of those who depend on you.
