New school year is here. Kuttyma heads into third grade. I am feeling what many parents feel – the unexplainable pain we see when our children spread their wings.

The excitement of the beginning of a new school year has not changed over the years. Friends to meet, secrets to share, games to play and fights to fight. It was like yesterday when I was excited about my first day in school.

New school year is a great time for parents to instill some values and lessons children can carry with them into the classrooms and enjoy a healthy and fun year.

Here is what I am talking about to kuttyma these days,

Wash Hands

Schools are germ hotspots and it is never a good time to fall sick while school is in session. Teach children hand washing techniques. They should use soap to clean their hands as soon as they get back from school. This website has more details on proper hand washing techniques.

Cover your Cough

Infections and sickness spread fast when you put a bunch of children together. Teach your child to cover his/her cough and sneeze. It is best to sneeze/cough on the upper sleeve or elbow and not on the hands. This is the easiest way to prevent the spread of seasonal flu.

Healthy Eating

A balanced meal which includes fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins is a must for everyone. Children heading to school also need to have a healthy breakfast. Teach the importance of eating a balanced healthy meal and ensure that the house is stocked with healthy snacks for times when hunger pangs hit.

Remember to limit sugar intake. While, soft drinks and sugar treats give an instant energy boost, they are not ideal for kids. Fresh fruits are great for times when sugar craving hit.

Allergy Awareness

Talk to your children about any allergies they may have. Also teach them to be sensitive to others who may have allergies. Allergies can be life threatening and children need to be thought to react with respect to others allergies.

Water Intake and Sharing of Bottles

Often kids forget to hydrate themselves when in school. Always remind them to drink water during breaks and lunch. Also, it is not advisable to share water bottles. Common cold, strep throat and many other illness can be spread when water bottles are shared.

Sleep

Work out a sleep routine. Children need to rest and recharge. Prioritizing after-school activities which include homework, play time and screen time, will help children get the required sleep.

What are you talking to your kids about?

A version of this post first appeared on Indian Moms Connect.