7 Simple Ways to Help Keep Your Child Healthy This School Year

A new school year brings exciting opportunities to learn, make friends, and create new memories. It also means spending more time in classrooms, on school buses, and around other students, making it the perfect time to reinforce healthy habits at home.

The good news is that a few simple routines can help your child stay healthy and ready to learn all year long.

1. Encourage Regular Hand Hygiene

One of the easiest ways to help reduce the spread of germs is by encouraging your child to clean their hands throughout the day. Remind them to wash their hands before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing.

If a sink isn't readily available, hand sanitizing wipes can be a convenient option to keep in their backpack.

2. Pack Healthy Lunches and Snacks

Nutritious meals give children the energy they need to stay focused throughout the school day. Try including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich snacks to help fuel learning.

Don't forget to send a reusable water bottle to help keep them hydrated.

3. Get Plenty of Sleep

A consistent bedtime routine can help children wake up refreshed and ready for school. Adequate sleep supports learning, concentration, and overall well-being.

4. Keep Backpacks Clean

Backpacks travel from home to school and everywhere in between. Wiping them down regularly and removing old papers, food wrappers, and used tissues can help keep them clean and organized.

5. Teach Good Respiratory Etiquette

Remind children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow and to clean their hands afterward. These simple habits help create a healthier classroom for everyone.

6. Stay Home When Sick

If your child isn't feeling well, allowing them time to recover at home helps protect classmates and teachers while allowing them to rest.

7. Be Prepared

A few small items can make a big difference during the school day. Consider keeping these essentials in your child's backpack:

• Hand sanitizing wipes

• Tissues

• Reusable water bottle

• Healthy snack

• Emergency contact information

Start the School Year with Healthy Habits

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to build routines that can last all year. By encouraging good hand hygiene, healthy eating, quality sleep, and everyday cleanliness, you're helping your child stay ready to learn and thrive.

Small habits practiced every day can make a big difference throughout the school year.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Healthy Schools

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Back-to-School Health Tips