When you had your daughter, you realised that children are the most carefree and joyous of beings. In your experience over the past five years, they love nothing more than to play rolly polly down the hill in the local park, jump in and out of muddy puddles, and make sandcastles in the sandpit. Although to you these always seemed like rather mucky activities, you relaxed once you found out that being exposed to nature was actually good for a child’s immune system.

However, while you’re ok with your child strengthening their immune system through being exposed to nature, you’re not so happy when they bring home germs and illnesses from socialising with their friends during school hours.

We know that keeping your child healthy can feel like a challenge, especially when they start to attend school and are regularly socialising with other children.

Although germs and illnesses are easily passed on from child to child, there are some things you can do to keep your child as healthy as possible while they attend school:

How can I keep my child healthy at school?

Get up to date with vaccines

The first step you should think about taking is getting your child vaccinated against all the diseases that children of their age group may come into contact with. Contact your paediatrician for advice on which vaccines they may need, including the seasonal flu vaccine.

Teach them proper handwashing

Teaching your child how to properly wash their hands properly is one of the most important lessons you will impart to them, as handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of illness. This is because when a child comes into contact with germs, these germs are easily spread through touch. This is especially true if they do something like scratch their nose or rub their eyes.

It’s also important to hone in on WHEN they should be washing their hands. For example, after using the toilet, after blowing their nose, and before eating.

Help their immune system function well

Helping your child’s immune system function to the best of its ability is crucial for their health. You can do this by ensuring they get enough sleep, helping them manage their stress, helping them maintain a healthy diet, making sure they get enough exercise, making time to laugh, and emphasising hand washing.

Watch for signs of anxiety and stress

Typical things a child might get stressed about include homework, tests, and social pressures such as making friends and joining after-school clubs. Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on a child’s health, so it’s important you look out for signs of stress in your child and find ways to help them cope with any anxiety. For example, set aside some time to brainstorm with your child about how to handle different areas in their life. This can include, identifying things they can control, planning how they want to spend their spare time, and how they can manage their homework.

Establish good sleep hygiene

When it comes to both physical and emotional health, sleep is absolutely paramount. In fact, studies have shown that if a child doesn’t get enough sleep, they are at risk of suffering from poor concentration, depression, obesity, suicidal ideation, and injuries.

Give your child a set bedtime, give them reassurance if they are stressed, and try to include predictability into their schedules. These things are all likely to help them get a better night's sleep.

Provide a brain-boosting breakfast

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for good reason! A child needs a balanced breakfast of complex carbohydrates and protein for their brain to function properly, and for them to maintain a steady energy level throughout the school day.

Offer healthy snacks

Finally, offering your child healthy snacks is another great way to keep their health in check. When combined with healthy meals, they ensure that your child fills in any gaps when it comes to their nutritional needs. Snacks also encourage your child to build healthy eating habits.

How do I keep my child healthy at school?