Working together, parents and teachers play pivotal roles in children’s health and education. Schools are an extension of the home; they are not just institutions for education, but a place where our children learn the foundation for many life lessons.
During cold and flu season, parents and teachers need to work together and promote healthy habits to help curb the spread of illness-causing germs. Here are three healthy habits tips to use at home when your child comes home from school.
1. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Kids spend a significant portion of their day in the classroom, where shared spaces can become breeding grounds for germs. When they come home, make sure to regularly disinfect the high-touch surfaces in your own space, like tables and door handles, to help slow the spread of germs that your kids might have taken home with them. Lysol Disinfecting Wipes and Lysol Disinfectant Spray are important supplies to have on hand, as they kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria when used as directed.
2. Encourage Proper Handwashing
Handwashing is a fundamental line of defense in preventing the spread of germs. As soon as your kids walk in the door after school, remind them how important it is to wash their hands before eating a snack, playing with toys, etc. If your kids are younger, you can make this an activity you do together by going to the sink and reminding them that the correct technique for thorough hand cleaning is scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.1
3. Encourage the Flu Vaccine
Parents can be influential advocates for flu vaccination education. According to the CDC, every individual aged six months and older should receive a flu vaccine annually.2 By championing this cause, we can help protect our own children and also the broader school community.
Students are stronger together, so when we help protect students from the spread of illness-causing germs, we’re not just protecting them physically—we’re helping them be present at school so they can learn, grow and thrive. For more resources and downloadable activities on handwashing and germ transmission, visit Lysol.com/HERE.
[1] CDC.org, “When and How to Wash Your Hands”
[2] CDC.org, “12 Ways to Have a Healthy Holiday Season”
