Have you trained your kids on proper coughing and sneezing etiquette yet? If your little ones used to be a baby coughing at night and still sometimes deal with persistent coughing or sneezing, it’s important to teach your kids about the importance of good manners and proper hygiene. Knowing how to handle coughs or sneezes not only trains your kid in good social behavior but can help set him or her up for a lifetime of healthy personal care habits. To start teaching your kids this unique type of health etiquette, try working through this list.
Remind Your Kids To Practice Good Hygiene After Coughing or Sneezing
If you’ve been reading up on health-related questions such as is Wellements cough syrup safe? and which vitamins does my child need? lately, you may have already learned about some of the top health etiquette tips. Remind your little ones that when they cough or sneeze in public or around others, they shouldn’t just cover their mouth with their hands and then wipe their hands off on their clothes. To be truly safe and polite, your children should:
- Wash their hands for at least 30 seconds with warm water and soap
- Apply hand sanitizer if they can’t get to a sink quickly
- Avoid touching their eyes, mouth or other parts of their face
Discuss the Importance of Being Considerate When Sneezing in Public
Part of teaching kids to be kind involves instructing young children on how to behave in public. If your child starts coughing or sneezing in public, it’s essential for him or her to understand the importance of remaining considerate of the well-being of those around them. You can remind your children to:
- Turn away from others around them if possible
- Sneeze into a tissue if they have one available
- Always try to sneeze or cough into their elbow rather than into their hands
- Go home right away if they’re experiencing repeated coughing and sneezing
Encourage Your Kids To Maintain Healthy Everyday Habits
Finally, you should remind your children that if they want to avoid constantly coughing or sneezing in public in the first place, they should take care of themselves and try to stay healthy every day. Good daily habits can go a long way in maintaining your kids’ wellness and avoiding illness. Encourage your children to:
- Eat plenty of fruits, veggies and other delicious and healthy foods to maintain a resilient immune system
- Sleep at least eight to nine solid hours each night
- Ask to stay home from school when they’re feeling under the weather
- Get some fresh air and exercise time for at least a half hour every day
Training your kids on polite and healthy coughing and sneezing habits may take some time but can be well worth the effort in the long run. If your kids haven’t mastered this etiquette niche yet, try working your way through this handy checklist. By reinforcing good hygiene habits, discussing the importance of public health precautions and helping your kids stay healthy every day, you can help set your children up for a lifetime of good manners and great well-being.