With such chaotic weather, it is important to properly dress your preschooler or pre-K student accordingly. Because we are going through ups and downs of warmer and colder days, the common cold and flu start to hit children. Although we do our absolute best to ensure that both our Canton and Waterford Paradigm Child Care facilities are clean and as germ-free as we can get them, we ask that as a parent you do your part as well. With everybody’s help, we can keep kids healthy!
Clean Environment Will Help Keep Kids Healthy
Of course, there is no way to completely prevent your child from getting sick, there are things that you can do to help reduce the risk of your children getting the cold or flu. Simple things such as dressing properly (hats, gloves, coats, long sleeves, long pants, etc…) and proper handwashing techniques.
Did you know? They say children who attend daycare centers have an increased amount of colds compared to children who stay home. However, this gives a distinct advantage for daycare children when they enter elementary school. Children who attend daycare have a lower chance of illness than kids who stay home when they begin elementary school due to the immunity they have developed.
Tips for Staying Healthy
While there are benefits to developing your child’s immune system, there are a few tips we have to keep your child healthy during flu season. One way to stay healthy is to stay active. Excercise can help boost your child’s immune system. So, ensure your child is having an active playtime. Another way to keep the flu and cold away is with proper rest. Children need between 9 to 14 hours of sleep to keep their immune system strong.
A balanced and nutritious diet that is full of Vitamin C and D can also help support your child’s immune system. Just avoid food with artificial sugar and additives. Finally, you should try to minimize stress your child’s stress levels. Ensure that your child has plenty down time to rest.
Staying Home When Sick
No matter what a parent does, their child could be at risk of catching a cold anywhere. But when that cold does hit and your child is showing any symptoms of the cold or flu, such as coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or runny nose, we ask that you keep your child home. Your child may return with a doctor’s note, or if their symptoms have been suppressed for 24 hours without medication.
We hate to see our students have to stay home due to illness. However, to keep other children as healthy as possible, we ask that you please keep sick children home. Finally, if you have any questions on whether you feel your child should come to school, feel free to contact your Paradigm Child Care center.
Revised April 16th 2024
