Cold and flu season is a familiar part of the school year. Every parent knows that during certain months, the bug goes around and gets a lot of kiddos sick. While a seasonal illness may feel unavoidable, consistent healthy habits can make a big difference in helping students stay healthy and focused. Keeping students well both on and off campus is a shared effort between families and schools, and a little teamwork goes a long way. Read on to learn about the ways you can help.
Prioritizing Rest By Keeping Consistent Bedtimes
Sleep is the foundation of health, wellness and focus. While it’s important to prioritize it year-round, it’s especially crucial during cold and flu season. Adequate rest supports the immune system and helps the body fight off illnesses. Sleep also plays an essential role in concentration, mood and energy levels throughout the school day. Keeping consistent bedtimes and calming nighttime routines can help you ensure that your child gets the quality sleep they need to stay healthy and ready to learn.
Practicing Good Personal Hygiene
Many illnesses can be prevented by practicing good hygiene. Teaching children how to properly wash their hands (and encouraging them to do so frequently) can help reduce the spread of germs. Try attaching handwashing to daily routines, including after using the restroom or coming in from recess, to help reinforce it and make it second nature. This is also a good time to teach them the importance of covering coughs and sneezes and using tissues to wipe their nose—and the importance of washing their hands afterward.
Supporting Health Through Nutrition and Hydration
Like sleep, nutrition plays a key role in supporting both physical wellness and focus. Start your child’s day with a balanced breakfast to help fuel their brain and body for learning while boosting their immune system. Pack nutritious lunches and snacks to give them the energy they need to stay engaged throughout the day. Teach your child the importance of staying hydrated. Pack a reusable water bottle in their backpack, and encourage them to drink and refill it several times a day.
Partnering with Your Child’s School to Keep Everyone Healthy
If your child is sick, it’s important to keep them home to prevent the spread of illness at school. Communicate with faculty about absences and sicknesses so they can take the appropriate precautions. It may be helpful to communicate with other parents, as well. Open communication and transparency help school staff and families work together to keep the school community safe and healthy all year long.
Why it Matters
Wellness and focus work hand in hand. Energy levels and engagement in the classroom rely heavily on how students feel physically. When they feel healthy, they’re better able to concentrate, participate and enjoy learning. Supporting their immune systems through consistent routines and healthy everyday habits helps keep children inside the classroom and engaged in their education. Prevention starts at home, but the impact reaches far beyond.
Lake Forrest Prep is a K-8 private school that’s committed to keeping its students and faculty healthy. We prioritize working as a team with families, and we appreciate the role you play in helping us maintain a safe and supportive learning environment. Learn more about how we support our students and our mission by visiting our website.