Sometimes kids get sick despite all the good you try to do to stop it from happening. Your job as a parent is to nurse them through their ailment and bring them back to full health as soon as possible. However, this can be tough if you catch the same bug that’s going around. It’s far better to try to stay as healthy as possible so that you can look after your little ones and get on with your work. Below are tips for how to stay healthy when your kids are sick.
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Wash Your Hands
The idea of washing your hands after you use the bathroom, when you’re cooking, after you do anything or touch anything dirty, has been reinforced since we were all little. There’s a reason why our parents and teachers kept telling us to do it (and why it’s probably a habit still today); it works. Washing your hands can reduce the likelihood of you catching a bug or cold from your child by up to 50 percent.
However, a quick rinse is not what we mean because that just doesn’t work effectively enough. You need to scrub your hands for around 20 seconds using warm water and soap if you want to rid yourself of the germs that could make you sick. For added security, you could use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer too. These can be great if you need to wash your hands and you’re nowhere near a sink.
Boost Your Immune System
The healthier your immune system, the less likely it is that you will catch whatever it is that’s going around. That means eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and taking vitamin supplements if you need to. It also means keeping yourself as healthy as possible.
If you smoke or drink too much, then quitting is your best option as these things can seriously compromise your immune system (plus, they’re not a great way to be a role model for your kids). If you find that giving up alcohol or drugs is hard on your own, look for help from somewhere like American Addiction Centers. It will be worth it.
No Sharing
We know you’ve spent a long time trying to get your kids to share nicely. But when they’re sick, it’s best if they just don’t do it at all. The more things they want to share around, the more chance it is that one of those things is going to be their sickness bug.
Less Cuddling
This is a hard thing to do, especially when your child is unwell. But if it stops you from getting sick, then you must do it. Simple viruses can’t travel beyond around three feet, so you don’t have to stay in a different room; just don’t get too close. If your child needs soothing, then you could make up a hand signal that signifies a hug. And if you want to kiss them, try the top of their head rather than their mouth. Tell them you love them as much as you can. The illness will soon be over, and you can get back to normal with everyone feeling great.
For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection
