Sending your child off to school for the first time as a kindergartner can alternate between exciting and terrifying. Letting go physically and emotionally is probably a bigger adjustment for mom and dad than the kindergartner, particularly if they attended preschool.
But this year with the Swine Flu pandemic looming on the horizon, school has the potential of causing additional health issues for your child and your family. Here are 3 things you can do daily to help you and your kindergartner stay well.
Talk About the Potential Problem and What They Can Do to Help--A 5 or 6 year old is sophisticated enough to understand a lot. Let them know that they can reduce the number of germs, and thus their chances of getting sick and missing fun activities by washing their hands often and practicing other behaviors that limit the spread of germs. Giving them a sense of control about such an important issue is a real positive for all concerned.
Fortunately, some of the super heroes on various child friendly channels are also talking about how cool it is to practice good hygiene. So hearing from more than mom and dad serves as powerful reinforcement.
Give them an explanation about why and how these behaviors reduce the spread of germs. Some from the old school might argue that no explanation is necessary. And they would be right. But an explanation will go a long way towards motivating your child to do it when you're not right there beside them telling them to do it.
Provide hand sanitizer and tissues for their back pack, the car, the dance and gymnastic bag so they are always able to practice good hygiene and help others do the same.
Model Good Habits--Who was it that said talk is cheap? Well it's true. Talking about it is great, but if what you say is really true, than modeling it is a thousand times better. When your child comes in from school or anywhere else, wash your hands with them. Let them see (or hear) you wash your hand each time after using the bathroom, before meals, and even before bedtime. Modeling really will matter.
Practice What You Preach--Now that you've explained that covering a sneeze with an arm rather than a hand keeps germs contained; and that using a tissue for coughs or sneezes keeps bacteria and viruses from becoming airborne; and that once a tissue is used to throw it away without further contact, it's important that this become the norm for all the adults in the house too.
Make a game of it; award a small prize (can be a hug, kiss, or sticker) for the family member who is the most consistent at practicing these basic rules of hygiene. You'll be amazed when your kindergartner begins to remind you that you've forgotten one thing or another (and it won't take long). Your whole family will be healthier because of it. And hopefully instead of spreading germs this year, your kindergartner will be the start of spreading good hygiene habits to all they meet.
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