Creating Consistent After-School Routines: A Guide to Instilling Healthy Habits in Your Kids

Creating Consistent After-School Routines: A Guide to Instilling Healthy Habits in Your Kids

Keeping germs at bay is especially important in the context of school where kids come into contact with numerous other children and surfaces. Here are some healthy habits you can instill when kids come home from school to reduce the spread of germs.

I can remember back when my kids were young and in elementary school, I started a healthy routine with them. Now that they are in high school it has stayed with them. These are the healthy habits I did and still do. They even tell their friends now when they come into my home. Love it!

• Hand Washing: Teach kids to wash their hands thoroughly as soon as they come home. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.
• Shoes Off: This is a HUGE rule in our home! Designate a specific area for shoes, preferably near the entrance, so that dirt and germs aren’t tracked throughout the house. I have a wire basket that they go in. Our space is small, so it works great! I also love this concept.
• Change of Clothes: Encourage kids to change out of their school clothes when they get home. This can help in reducing the potential of bringing germs from school into the home. I have heard a lot of parents doing this, but I never had mine change. It is a preference.
• Bag and Supply Cleaning: Wipe down backpacks, lunch boxes, and other school supplies regularly. Consider spraying PÜR Evergreen on the items to clean it. I also like to give them a good wash and throw them in the washing machine.
• Daily Bath: While it's not necessary for everyone, some families find it helpful to have kids take a bath or shower when they come home, especially if they've had physical education or played sports.
• Avoid Touching the Face: Teach children the importance of avoiding touching their face, especially their eyes, nose, and mouth, to prevent the transmission of germs. Pink eye is common in schools, so this was huge for our family. I think only one of my kids got pink eye.
• Regularly Clean High-touch Surfaces: Disinfect high-touch areas in your home daily, such as doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. (See our article on this)
• Educate About Proper Cough and Sneeze Etiquette: Teach kids to always cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow and to wash their hands immediately afterward. My mother, being a teacher, always taught the kids to pretend they were batman when coughing or sneezing.
• Healthy Diet and Hydration: A strong immune system can fight off infections more effectively. Ensure kids eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure rooms are well-ventilated, as this can help disperse any airborne germs. Open windows and doors regularly to let in fresh air. We use this air purifier in our home.
• Daily Health Check: Talk to your kids daily about how they're feeling. Catching symptoms early can prevent the spread of illness.
• Teach Respect for Personal Space: While it’s hard for kids not to be close to friends, teach them about personal space, especially if they or their friends are feeling under the weather.
• Limit Sharing: Teach children the importance of not sharing personal items, such as water bottles, food, or utensils, at school.

Instilling these habits not only helps keep germs at bay but also builds a foundation for lifelong healthy habits. It's also important to approach these routines with a calm and positive attitude to prevent anxiety or fear related to germs. Once they get into the routine, they will be teaching their friends before you know it!