Note: I updated this post and decided to repost it due to current events.
New clothes, new shoes, and socks, new school bags, fresh hairstyles for the girls and a haircut for the boys. Holidays over, back to the classes and i bet some of you are so happy to bundle them out of the house once again. As they are back in school, it is still our duty to make sure they stay healthy physically and mentally till the end of the school term. Here are a few healthy tips or habits that we can practice and also teach the kids to ensure a good school season.
The current coronavirus pandemic has kept the children at home and have turned us parents into teachers overnight with homeschooling. I don’t know about you but for me, I must tell you that teachers are the next best thing after God and their reward should start first here on earth….homeschooling is not easy at all (lol)
While we are at home, we still need to keep reinforcing the importance of hygiene and manners to our kids. These staying healthy tips are still relevant now and when they are ready to go back to school.
Hand-washing
The Ebola scourge & recently Coronavirus would have taught many of us the importance of handwashing to prevent germs spreading. Ebola is gone (forever I pray) and coronavirus we pray to go soon too, but don’t drop the habit or allow the kids to do. Pop a small hand sanitizer or tissues in their bags, so that they can wipe clean before eating especially if there’s no soap and water available. If you don’t currently own or carry a bottle of hand sanitiser around with you then you may want to consider doing so if you’re conscious about reducing the spread of germs within your household.
Good manners & hygiene
Simple hygiene manners don’t hurt. Teach them the importance of covering their mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing. As well as being a good hygiene practice, it also shows good manners which is part of good development. Also, remind them to use the right words when they do the sneezing and when it is done by someone else too.
Nutrition
A balanced and varied diet will promote healthy development, while junk food will do otherwise. Provide healthy nutritional options rather than junk food. Limit or keep them away from processed food. Remember breakfast is very essential and should never be skipped.
Drinking Water
It is the juices and other drinks that contribute to poor health, tooth decay, concentration deficiency and fatigue in school. When fizzy drinks and sugary snacks are consistently part of a diet, there is more chance of experiencing tooth decay (if oral hygiene is not kept on top of) and potentially stained teeth. Encourage and find ways to make them take more water than juices and other drinks…also lead by example too. Read why water is the best drink for your child.
Sleep
Early to bed…makes a child healthy, wealthy and wise. I’m sure this is still true because even as an adult, i function better after a good sleep. Limit TV times at this time and set a bed-time routine. It may not be followed rigidly but at least make sure they have one to follow for most part of the school term.
Confidence
Finally, always talk to your kids and encourage even their little efforts. As well as teaching them good habits, teach them how to do things for themselves…laundry, cooking, housekeeping. These may turn out useful later in life.
I do hope someone finds this useful and feel free to add more tips in the comment thread below.
Keep safe and stay safe!
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