Your child is going to be starting preschool, which means a lot of new things to learn, and new friends to get to know. It also means your child is going to be exposed to a lot of germs. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as your child is going to build up their immunity, which will help throughout your child's life. Your child may end up with a cold or two during their time at preschool, but to help prevent illness, there are things you can do to help. Read on for helpful tips.

1. Have Your Child Wash Their Hands Properly

Teach your child how to properly wash their hands. Make sure your child knows that they should use warm water and need to rub their hands together to create a lather. If your child is simply putting on soap and rinsing it right away, their hands are always going to be dirty. This can spread germs further and leave your child ill or the other kids in child care or someone in your household can also become ill as well.

2. Feed Your Child A Proper Diet

Feed your child properly so they get the nutrients they need in order to combat illness. Give your child fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy snacks. It can be hard, especially with smaller children who are finicky eaters or who want to eat a lot of junk food. You have to keep pressing on and get your child to eat these healthy foods. Mixing them into smoothies can be a great way to get your child to eat healthy without them realizing it's healthy.

3. Keep A Sick Child Home

If your child is ill, you should keep your child at home. Even if your child just isn't feeling like themselves, you should keep your child at home. You can usually tell when your child isn't acting like themselves, so if you think your child isn't going to have a good day because they just don't feel well, keep them at home. They'll feel better being at home. Taking them to child care could either end up with your child feeling worse when they get there, or they could become a disruption at child care. If they truly are ill, they could also expose others at the child care center to the same illness.

If your child is starting preschool or child care, they are going to be exposed to a lot of new things, including germs. Illness is going to occur, especially with little ones. Do your best to keep your child healthy, and prevent the spread of germs by keeping a sick child at home.

For more tips or information, contact your local child care service.