Back-to-School Germ Busters: 7 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Healthy This School Year

Back-to-school season is full of excitement, new routines, and, let’s be honest, a fresh wave of sniffles. If you’ve got a preschooler or elementary schooler, you know how quickly those classroom germs can make their way into your home.

But don’t panic. With a few playful tricks and some smart routines, you can help your family stay a step ahead of those back-to-school bugs.

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1. Turn Handwashing into a Game

Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of germs. Make it fun! Use silly soaps, catchy songs (yes, even Baby Shark), or sticker rewards. Encourage your child to wash their hands before meals, after recess, and as soon as they get home from school.

2. Pack Immunity-Boosting Snacks

Strong immune systems start with good nutrition. Fill those lunchboxes with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and proteins. Yogurt and kefir add a helpful dose of probiotics. Just call it “tummy juice” and your kid might be more likely to try it.

3. Make Sleep a Top Priority

Orlando evenings are long and lively, but school mornings come fast. Most young kids need 9–12 hours of sleep each night. Start shifting bedtime earlier now and build a calming routine that includes a warm bath, snuggly stories, and no screens.

READ MORE: Sleep Routine Habits

4. Sanitize the Backpack (and Everything In It)

Backpacks go everywhere—and carry everything. Wipe them down weekly, especially straps and zippers. Wash lunchboxes and water bottles daily, and check for rogue snacks before they turn into science experiments.

5. Teach Kids That Germs Are Sneaky Bugs

Make hygiene memorable by giving germs a villainous role. Talk about “sneaky bugs” we can fight with soap, tissues, and sneezing into our elbows. A little imagination goes a long way for young minds.

6. Keep Sick Days Sacred

Even if it’s pajama day or pizza party Friday, keeping your child home when they’re sick helps protect their classmates (and teachers). Rest is the best medicine—and the class photo will still be cute next year.

7. Stay in the Loop with Teachers

Teachers see it all and can often give you a heads-up about what’s going around. Don’t hesitate to ask what you can do to help, like have your child bring extra tissues or hand sanitizer.

Final Thought:
It’s impossible to dodge every sniffle, but these healthy habits can reduce sick days and help your child bounce back faster when germs do sneak in.

Here’s to a school year full of learning, laughter, and fewer tissues!