Yup, school is back in full swing and Cootie Season is upon us. Every year at this time I dread the spread – and I’m talking germs. During the summer we seem to be robust and healthy. I know the fact we’re good and healthy is largely because it’s mostly family time, lots of sunshine, fresh air, swimming (in chlorinated water) and fresh fruit and veggies. Once school begins, I know the kiddos are going to be exposed to more germs and a not-so-clean environment. I dread the spread! So, its my plan to teach my kids to have Healthy Habits and do their part to keep germs away.
With today’s kids spending an average of 30 hours per week at school, teachers and families need to work together to establish a healthy school environment and reduce the spread of germs. Colds, flu and other illnesses are a part of being in school, but I feel we can do better to teach our kids Healthy Habits. Hand washing is our greatest defense. And helping children learn when and where germs thrive can assist in our line of defense.
What tools do you have in your germ arsenal? I’ve always been a fan of Lysol, so I was very pleased to learn that Lysol® has partnered with the National Education Association (NEA) and National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), with health messages from the CDC, to launch the Healthy Habits Program. They are working together to develop materials to educate students on proper hand washing and other techniques to keep germs from spreading and reduce sick days.
Hand washing and cutting down on face touching must be continually emphasized, but children must also be educated about keeping work surfaces clean. Lysol has always been my go-to product for general surface cleaning. And now, Lysol is the exclusive surface household cleaning brand to partner with Box Tops for Education. I’ve always been a Box Tops for Education saver, so it pleases me to know Lysol and Box Tops have partnered to help clean and disinfect while earning cash for schools. A Win-Win operation. Along with sending my Box Tops to school, I’ve decided to donate a canister of Lysol wipes to my kids classrooms regularly.
I try hard not go overboard with the clean surface/hand washing protocol with my kids, as I don’t want to create a sense of paranoia about germs. I also believe it’s okay for kids to be exposed to dirt and build a healthy immune system. So it’s good to keep balance, and help children be aware of where germs reside and what they can do to defend themselves against the spread of germs. The classroom is where they spend a good amount of time, so I believe it’s up to parents and teachers to help the children be accountable for keeping things clean. I also feel it’s okay to arm the children with preventative measures when they are out in public. I love my travel size Lysol spray for just such occasions and now I will tuck a travel size in my kids backpacks and my purse. Ya just never know what cooties are lurking out there, so come armed and prepared.
The drill is – wash your hands often, especially after lunch and recess, keep your desk surface clean, and keep your fingers and hands away from your mouth and face. Tell me some of your tips for fighting the spread of germs and some of your family’s Healthy Habits.
Leave a Reply