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When your children return back to school in the winter season, their chances of getting sick can increase. However, there are many ways you can prevent your child from getting sick when they return to preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school. Below, learn tips to help them stay healthy during this cold and flu season.

How to Prevent Your Child From Getting a Cold

1. Encourage Sleep

Kids need a lot of sleep to keep them growing, but during the school year, it can be challenging to maintain proper habits. You should try to encourage eight to ten hours of sleep per night, depending on their age. Shut off their electronics an hour before bed so they can be settled and relaxed. More sleep allows their bodies to heal and facilitates a stronger immune system.

2. Reduce Stress

The stress of schoolwork and their personal life can weaken your child’s immune system and leave them open for infection. Look for changes in your child's behavior and monitor them closely if you do see mood fluctuations. Ask them how they're feeling and what you can do to help. Your kid needs a safe environment to talk about what's bothering them and can relieve stress by connecting with you.

3. Instill Proper Hygiene

preschoolTeach your child to wash their hands regularly, including after lunch at preschool, going to the bathroom, sharing toys, and when they come in from recess. Also, teach them to wash their hands after sneezing, coughing, or blowing their nose. Show them how to sneeze into a paper towel or tissue correctly, and how to dispose of the tissue properly. Proper hygiene makes it harder for germs to spread and infect your children. 

4. Get Them the Flu Shot

Kids and teens over six months can get an annual flu shot. The flu shot injects a dormant strain of the flu into the bloodstream so the immune system can fight the cold virus, should it occur. 

 

If you live in Rosedale, NY, you can trust the respected preschool and after-school programs offered at Lov-In Hands Daycare. For almost 25 years, they have given children the care and attention they deserve, including one-on-one attention to improve their social abilities. They accept children of ages three weeks to five years, and work with them to assist their development and ready them for kindergarten. Like them on Facebook or visit them online for more information. To speak to a daycare professional, call (718) 723-0324.

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