Back to school season always brings a bit of change — cooler weather, new classrooms, and a lot more little hands touching a lot more shared surfaces. It’s no surprise that this time of year is often when kids (and the rest of the household) start picking up coughs, colds and other bugs.
The good news is that a few simple habits can make a real difference. Building positive hygiene routines early on helps keep germs at bay at school and at home, without adding stress to your already busy morning and evening routines.
Here are five sure-fire ways to help your family stay a little healthier this term.
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Get Rid of Back to School Germs
#1. Encourage a Regular Hand-Washing Routine
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Hand-washing remains one of the simplest and most effective habits for keeping germs at bay, so it’s worth building it into your family’s routine from an early age. Set a habit around leaving the house, coming home from school or activities, and before meals, and keep a small bottle of hand sanitiser on hand for when you’re out and about.
For younger children, make it fun by singing a short song — like “Happy Birthday” or “The Wheels on the Bus” — while they wash, so they wash for long enough without it feeling like a chore.
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2. Avoid ‘Bag-teria’
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Schoolbags can be a real breeding ground for germs. Between little hands grabbing them, being tossed on the ground, and rubbing against walls, buses and car seats, they don’t stay clean for long.
To keep “bag-teria” under control, keep antibacterial wipes or spray by the front door so kids can give their bag a quick wipe-down when they come home each day. It only takes a minute and becomes second nature fairly quickly.
#3. Wipe Down Door Handles
In a busy household, little (and big) hands travel far and wide over the course of a day. Wiping down door handles regularly — from the front door to the car — helps stop germs spreading around the house.
Pick a time each day that suits your routine, and consider making it part of the kids’ chores or pre/post-school jobs for the week.
#4. Teach the Little Ones Germ Etiquette
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In group settings like school or creche, everyone doing their small part makes a big difference. Teaching your children some simple “germ etiquette” is a great way to help. Remind them to cough or sneeze into the crook of their arm rather than their hands, and to keep a tissue handy — making sure to bin it and wash their hands straight after.
Depending on their age, children may want to share food or drinks with friends. It’s worth gently explaining that while sharing toys is lovely, sharing anything that touches the mouth is best avoided.
#5. Spend Time Outside
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Fresh air is good for everyone, so weather permitting, encourage outdoor play and time outside where you can. If walking to school is an option, it’s a lovely way to start the day together. At home, opening windows for a while each day helps keep the air moving through bedrooms and living spaces.
With thanks to Milton for the original tips that inspired this article.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do kids seem to get sick more often once school starts back?
New classroom environments mean more close contact with other children, shared surfaces and shared equipment, plus the change in weather. This combination makes it easier for common colds and bugs to spread, especially in the first few weeks of term.
What’s the single most effective habit for reducing germs at school?
Regular, thorough hand-washing is widely considered one of the most effective everyday habits. Building a simple routine around key moments — arriving at school, after breaks, before eating, and coming home — makes it easier for kids to remember.
How can I keep schoolbags and lunchboxes hygienic?
A quick wipe-down of bags and a proper wash of lunchboxes and bottles each day goes a long way. Keeping wipes or spray somewhere handy, like by the front door, makes it easy to build into the after-school routine.
Is it normal for young children to pick up more illnesses in a group setting?
Yes — it’s very common, particularly for children who are newer to group settings like school or creche. Their immune systems are still building up exposure to common bugs, and this settles down over time.
Related Articles
- 30 Germ Hotspots and Places You Forget to Clean Around the House
- These Good Hand Hygiene Tips Can Keep the Whole Family Healthy
- 11 Clever Cleaning Hacks Guaranteed to Make Your House Sparkle
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