Cold and flu season can be challenging for families with young children. While it’s impossible to prevent every sniffle and sick day, healthy habits can go a long way in helping children stay well. We asked a few Kiddie Academy® parents to share their favorite tips for preventing illness and caring for sick children during flu season.
Help Prevent the Spread of Germs
Good handwashing habits are one of the simplest ways to help keep children healthy during flu season. Sarah Niblick, Kiddie Academy Director of Franchise Development and Kiddie Academy parent, says keeping those habits consistent at home is key.
“We try to reinforce the same handwashing habits my boys practice in the classroom. Coming home, before meals, after the bathroom, after blowing noses, basically anytime I look at their hands and immediately have questions.”
Sarah also recommends paying extra attention to high-touch surfaces around the home, including doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and toilet handles.
For Rachael Franks, Director of Marketing Experience and Kiddie Academy parent, germ prevention extends beyond the house.
“I always wipe down shopping cart handles and try to increase hand sanitizer use when we’re out and about.”
Teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes and encouraging regular handwashing can help reduce the spread of germs both at home and in the community.
Support Children’s Overall Wellness
During cold and flu season, many parents focus on supporting their children’s overall health through nutrition and hydration.
“My boys take vitamins because, despite my best efforts to provide balanced meals, they seem determined to build their bodies primarily out of noodles and chicken nuggets,” Sarah jokes.
Rachael’s family also enjoys fresh-squeezed orange juice as part of their wellness routine.
While every family’s approach is different, healthy habits year-round can help support children’s well-being during flu season.
Comfort Measures for Sick Days
When illness does make its way into the house, simple comfort measures can help children rest and recover. Some family favorites include:
- Warm vapor baths before bedtime
- Humidifiers to help with congestion
- Saline spray for stuffy noses
- Plenty of fluids
- Fresh bedding
- Extra cuddles and comfort
Practical Tips for Parents
Caring for a sick child can be exhausting, especially when multiple children are under the weather. One of Sarah’s most helpful tips is keeping a medicine and symptom log.
“I keep a notepad next to the medicine and write down the child’s name, date, time, temperature, medication, and amount given. When you’re tired and caring for more than one sick child, it’s surprisingly easy for everything to blur together.” She also recommends managing expectations if one child gets sick. “By the time you’ve realized one is sick, another has probably shared his cup, stolen his snack, and sneezed directly into his brother’s personal space.”
And once everyone is feeling better? “I love opening the windows and airing everything out,” Sarah says. Fresh sheets and a little fresh air can help the whole house feel refreshed after illness has passed.
Healthy Habits Start Every Day
At Kiddie Academy, healthy habits like handwashing and proper hygiene are encouraged throughout the day. By reinforcing those same habits at home, families can work together to help children stay healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn and grow all year long.
