Your kids spend their days surrounded by germs, sickness and sharp objects. You might feel tempted to keep them safe at home in a bubble, but that’s impossible and rather inadvisable. Instead, teach them how to live a healthy lifestyle that promotes safety.
Proper Hand Washing
Most germs live on tiny hands that touch everything they see. Teach your kids proper hand washing techniques after visiting the bathroom, before and after eating and after wiping their noses.
Don’t be afraid to emphasize that soap and warm water are a must. Install a soap dispenser at eye level so they can reach it, and add a stool to the bathroom if they need help reaching the faucet. If they scrub their hands while singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice, their hands will be germ free. Use single-use drying towels for further protection during flu season.
Preventative Flu Shot
The flu affects thousands of people every year. If your kids get it, they’ll miss school and could spread it to you. Give your kids flu shots so they stay protected.
Make an appointment in the fall to get a flu shot. If your kids fear getting a shot, go to the doctor as a family. Take your turn first, and show them how to be brave. You’ll also want to emphasize hand washing during this time to prevent the spread of germs.
Sometimes, your kids may acquire the flu despite the immunization. Be prepared. Stock medications like pain reliever and fever reducer. Chicken soup nourishes achy bodies, and mint tea soothes upset tummies.
You’ll also need several entertaining activities that engage their minds while they recover. Encourage your kids to relax and rest, and remind them that they must protect others by staying home from school for at least 24 hours after their fever breaks.
Protective First Aid
Bumps and bruised are a rite of passage for kids. Infection sets in, though, when dirt remains in the cut. A first aid kit is essential.
Stock the kit with antibacterial cream or spray. Burn cream, bandages and pain reliever are additional essentials.
Teach your kids to report even minor scrapes right away. Quick care prevents dangerous infections.
Driving Safety
Your kids spend tons of time in the car or bus. Every moving vehicle they ride in should include seat belts or other safety harnesses. Even if your morning commute lasts only a few minutes, strap your children into the car.
Your young children should stay in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow it. Choose a forward-facing seat with a five-point harness for increased safety. Booster seats are the next step and ensure the back seat belts secure your kids without hurting them. All children should remain in the back seat until they turn 12.
Required Gear
Kids will take risks as they swing, bike and run. Insist they wear a helmet and pads every time they sit on a bike, stand on a skateboard or roll onto the skating rink.
The helmet should fit snug on their head. Secure it with the attached straps. Pads go on knees and elbows. They fit over clothing and protect tender bodies.
You can’t protect your kids from every danger. They can stay safe, however, with protective essentials. You can also teach them how to exercise caution and remain safe at school.
Last weekend was crazy for me. Ever since the beginning of December, I haven’t had a decent weekend of rest. I suppose it is the same for everyone who celebrates Christmas. Parties are being held left and right practically every day. The weekends are the worst, when you might even have to go from one party to another just to accommodate your friends and family members.
