Juggling work and childcare can be quite a challenge at the best of times, but add the never-ending need to take a day off because your child is sick…again!…and even the most understanding and flexible of employers will start to raise an eyebrow.
Part of the issue is that while you may have a ice little safe haven at home, with all your wiped surfaces and disinfectants at every key area of the house, you just can’t guarantee that everything your child comes into contact with outside your home is germ-free.
So just how do you stop them getting ill all the time – here are some tips to help keep your children from getting sick:
- Make sure that your children wash their hands regularly
This is the single most effective method for disease prevention. Hands should be scrubbed for 10 to 15 seconds with soap – just using water won’t do any justice, so buy a good soap with disinfectant that’s kind to children’s hands. - Don’t allow your children to share utensils
Learning to share is important – toys etc, but sharing utensils – especially, cutlery – this shouldn’t apply to cups, glasses or eating utensils. It may sound sound harsh, but if your child has a predisposition to getting ill then you need to do what it takes. - Make sure your children get the right amount of sleep
Sleep deprivation stresses the immune system – even as an adult, too many late nights can take its toll on the system, and the same applies to children. Most children need at least eight hours of sleep per night, so if your child isn’t getting enough sleep, it could have a negative impact. - Allow for a full recovery
As much as you need to get back to work, try not send them back to school when they are sick. If your child isn’t well enough to go back to school and they are forced to go to school unwell, it could extend their recovery time. - Keep your child’s vaccinations up to date
New vaccines guard against an array of dangerous illnesses, including meningitis. Make sure that your child has had the latest boosters – if you’re not sure, contact your GP or health visitor to discuss this and get them updated as soon as possible.
