Preparing children to stay healthy at school involves a multifaceted approach that includes promoting good hygiene practices, ensuring proper nutrition, encouraging physical activity, and supporting mental and emotional well-being. As a mother, I have learnt that these strategies can help all mothers:

Good hygiene practices

• Handwashing: Teach children the importance of washing their hands with soap and water before eating, after using the restroom, and after playing outside. Emphasise the 20-second rule for effective handwashing. I know this might be hard to understand for some but children are easily teachable.
• Use of Sanitizers: Provide hand sanitizers for times when soap and water are not available.
• Coughing and sneezing etiquette: Instruct children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze, and to dispose of tissues immediately.
• Personal items: Educate children about not sharing personal items such as water bottles, utensils, or clothing to prevent the spread of germs.

Proper nutrition

• Pack a nutritious lunch that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
• Provide healthy snack options such as fruits, nuts, yoghurt, and whole-grain crackers.
• Ensure children have access to water throughout the day to stay hydrated. A refillable water bottle is a good idea.

Encourage physical activity

• Encourage children to participate in sports or active play during recess and after school.
• Set limits on sedentary activities such as watching TV or playing video games, and promote activities that involve physical movement.

Mental and emotional well-being

• Foster an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their feelings and any challenges they face at school.
• Teach children simple stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness.
• Reinforce positive behavior and encourage to build self-esteem and resilience.

Routine health care

• Ensure children have regular medical and dental check-ups to monitor their health and address any concerns early.
• Keep children’s vaccinations up to date to protect against common diseases.
• Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure children get enough sleep, which is crucial for their overall health and academic performance.

Teach Safety Measures

• Educate children about safety measures at school, such as recognizing and reporting bullying or unsafe behavior.
• Make sure children know basic emergency information, such as their home address, phone number, and how to contact parents or guardians.

Model healthy behaviour

• Demonstrate healthy habits at home, as children often mimic the behaviour of their parents. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing good hygiene.

By integrating these strategies into daily routines, mothers can help their children develop habits that will keep them healthy and better prepared to handle the demands of school life. Happy school term.