As the school year begins and temperatures start to drop, children are once again surrounded by their peers in classrooms, on buses, and during extracurricular activities. This increased exposure makes fall a prime time for the spread of infectious diseases like the flu, RSV, Covid-19, and the common cold. While vaccines are one of the most effective tools in disease prevention, developing strong hygiene habits at home is just as critical in keeping your family and community healthy.
Teaching children simple, consistent habits early in life can dramatically reduce their risk of getting sick—and help protect others, too. Here are five essential habits to prioritize this fall, along with guidance on how to reinforce them at home.
1. Proper Handwashing
Handwashing is one of the most effective and accessible tools in the fight against infection. Germs picked up from surfaces, toys, and handshakes can quickly spread if not addressed.
Teach your children:
- To wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- To wash before eating, after using the restroom, after blowing their nose, and after coming home from school or public spaces.
- To use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren’t available.
Pro tip: Make it fun by using songs (like “Happy Birthday” twice) or colorful timers to help young kids wash long enough.
2. Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette
A major source of germ transmission is through airborne droplets from sneezes and coughs. Teaching children how to contain these droplets is a simple but powerful form of public health.
Encourage them to:
- Cough or sneeze into their elbow—not their hands.
- Use tissues when available, and dispose of them immediately.
- Wash hands after sneezing or blowing their nose.
You can practice this with younger children at home so the behavior becomes second nature when they’re at school.
3. Recognizing the Signs of Illness
One of the best ways to reduce disease spread is to know when to stay home. But that starts with teaching your child to recognize and report when they’re not feeling well.
Help them identify and verbalize:
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Fatigue or unusual tiredness
- Body aches
Make sure your child understands that it’s okay—and responsible—to tell a parent, teacher, or school nurse about their symptoms.
4. The Importance of Not Sharing Personal Items
Although it might seem like a lesson in manners, teaching kids not to share certain items is a matter of health.
Items to avoid sharing:
- Drinks and utensils
- Lip balm or makeup
- Hats and scarves
- Phones and earbuds
While sharing is generally encouraged, this nuance can be explained by reminding kids that germs can live on many surfaces—sometimes for hours or even days.
5. Vaccination Awareness
Fall is flu season, and getting an annual flu vaccine is one of the most important steps your family can take to stay healthy. RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations may also be recommended depending on age and risk factors.
You can empower kids to be advocates for their own health by:
- Explaining, in age-appropriate terms, how vaccines work.
- Framing the flu shot not as something scary, but as a way to protect themselves and their friends. There is also a needle free option.
- Encouraging bravery and offering rewards or praise after their appointment.
- Teach children to speak up when they are sick, tell their parents, teachers, or caregivers when they aren’t feeling well.
The Role of Parents in Public Health
Creating a healthy home environment requires consistency, clear communication, and modeling good behavior. Children mimic what they see, so practicing these habits yourself is key. If your child watches you wash your hands before meals, cover your cough, and get vaccinated each year, they’re far more likely to adopt those habits long-term.
Public health doesn’t start in hospitals—it starts in households. By laying a strong foundation of hygiene, self-awareness, and responsibility at home, you’re not only helping your child stay healthy this school year, you’re also contributing to the wellness of your entire community.