How to help encourage wellness with your family’s health all season long.
Our children’s classrooms are more than just educational spaces— they’re environments where students learn and absorb essential life lessons. Students are stronger when they’re together, so it is essential for parents to recognize that the habits cultivated at home have a direct impact on the well-being of their young ones at school.
During the winter season, it becomes easier for students to contact germs that cause illnesses like cold and flu. Encouraging healthy habit practices at home is a proactive measure to help ensure students not only maintain their own health but also contribute to the overall well-being of their school community.
1. Prioritize Nutrition
If you’re sending your little ones to school with a packed lunch, try to incorporate a variety of food groups into their lunchbox, offering essential nutrients to keep them energized and satisfied all day long. The CDC recommends that children aged two and older follow a healthy eating pattern that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, oils and a variety of protein-rich foods1. This winter, try including some in season produce into meals like apples, brussels sprouts, carrots or pears!
2. Bundle Up
While staying indoors during the wintertime is enticing, it’s important to get outside and encourage outdoor play when you can. Just make sure to dress your child in layers to protect them from the cold and use sun protection no matter the temperature outside. Outdoor activities not only boost physical health but also contribute to better sleep and mood regulation.
3. 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 seconds2.
4. Refresh Your Disinfecting Routine
The wintertime is a great moment to restock on classroom essentials like Lysol Disinfecting Wipes and Lysol Disinfectant Spray. When used as directed, these products kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. Regularly disinfecting high touch surfaces, like kitchen tables and doorknobs, can help cut down on the spread of preventable illness.*
Fostering a healthy environment both at home and in school is paramount in nurturing kids’ holistic development. Instilling these habits promotes good health for our own children but also helps the school community, ensuring a season of growth and shared wellness. For more resources and downloadable activities about handwashing and germ transmission, visit Lysol.com/HERE.
