Welcome Back to School: Staying Healthy as the New School Year Begins
As backpacks are packed, lunchboxes are labeled, and school bells start ringing, it’s officially back-to-school season. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into their final year, this time of year is full of excitement, fresh routines, and a few new germs making their rounds. With the return to classrooms, cafeterias, and crowded hallways, it’s a great time to review some simple health and hygiene habits to help keep your family safe and well all year long.
1. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs is also the simplest—handwashing. Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently, especially:
- Before eating
- After using the restroom
- After blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After playing outside or using shared classroom supplies
Using warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds is best. When soap and water aren't available, hand sanitizer is a great backup.
2. Keep Up with Routine Checkups
Back-to-school is a great time to schedule annual wellness exams and ensure vaccinations are up to date. These visits help monitor your child’s overall health and keep them on track for school requirements, including vision and hearing screenings, physical exams, and immunizations.
3. Teach Cough & Sneeze Etiquette
Remind kids to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or the inside of their elbow when they cough or sneeze. Tissues should be thrown away immediately, and hands should be washed afterward. These small habits go a long way in preventing illness from spreading through classrooms and shared spaces.
4. Reinforce Healthy Habits at Home
A strong immune system starts with good daily habits. Make sure your child is getting:
- Enough sleep each night (aim for 8–12 hours depending on age)
- A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein
- Plenty of water throughout the day
- Time for physical activity and play
Helping your child stay well-rested and nourished gives their body the best chance to fight off any bugs they encounter at school.
5. Don’t Send Sick Kids to School
It can be tough to miss a day, but sending a sick child to school puts others at risk and can prolong your child’s recovery. Follow your school’s guidelines on when to keep kids home—usually when they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms. And don’t forget to notify the school nurse or office if your child is diagnosed with something that could affect other students, like strep throat or the flu.
6. Keep Personal Items Personal
Encourage your child not to share personal items like water bottles, food, hats, hairbrushes, or lip balm. Even younger children can start to understand the importance of keeping their things to themselves to help stop the spread of germs.
7. Mental Health Matters Too
The return to school can be exciting, but it can also bring stress or anxiety. Be sure to check in with your child emotionally, and keep communication open. If your child seems overwhelmed or withdrawn, don’t hesitate to reach out to a school counselor or your family’s pediatrician for support.
