Insight Type: Lifestyle Insight

Creative ways to keep your children washing their hands in school

Getting young children to wash their hands regularly is an ongoing challenge for any parent. Trying to persuade them to do it during Covid-19 has only added to the stress.

With all that time invested and children returning to school, how do you make sure that their handwashing routine continues when they aren’t under your supervision?

Two experts have compiled some creative ways to remind your children to keep a handwashing routine upon their return to the classroom as part of Equazen’s back to school series.

Create a handwash prompt timetable

Colin Foley, a specialist leader in education and training with 25 years teaching experience and member of the leading British Association “ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity” said: “During the holidays, create a timetable that teaches them the times they should wash their hands. Include lunchtimes and snack times in the timetable then a reminder for them to go and wash their hands and these parts of their day.

If they already have a planner, incorporate handwash prompts into it for after they have eaten, been outside and playtimes.”

A survey* of 6 to 14-year olds by Equazen, found that seven in ten children are nervous about the return to school. When asked what is making the trip back to the classroom most daunting, over a quarter (28%) were concerned they wouldn’t remember to wash their hands enough.

Give them a gift of clean hands

“Treat them to a hygiene pack which contains hand sanitiser, mask and wipes” explains Colin.

“There are plenty of child friendly products available such as branded and colourful sanitisers such as unicorn themed or smelling of their favourite sweets.

“Let them create their own kits during the school holidays as doing so will provide them with a sense of responsibility to keep it and use it.”

“Then let your child take the kit to school with them when they go back if they want to.”

Get musical and create your own hand wash song

Emma Weaver, who is an Early Years’ Service Lead at the ADHD Foundation recommends a memorable rhyme.

“The novelty of singing Happy Birthday whilst washing their hands may have worn off for your child but it worked because it’s around 20 seconds long so ensured they washed for the recommended time.

“Or, if you are feeling creative, come up with your own a song, rhyme or rap together as a fun exercise during the school holidays. They may even help by teaching it to the other kids.

“The patterns in rhyme or music will help your child to remember. Similarly, rehearse how to cover a sneeze or cough with their elbow and model this for them at home.”

Nearly a third (30%) of children asked about the return to school* were also worried that others won’t be as responsible about social distancing and handwashing as them.

*The survey commissioned by Equazen and carried out by OnePoll asked 1000 UK children aged 6-14 years old.

For some children returning to school will mean that it will be the first time they have stepped foot in a classroom in a while.

In a non-traditional return to the classroom following Covid-19, children as young as four will be expected to remain in small class ‘bubbles’ and adhere to social distancing measures.

Understandably, it is leaving many parents concerned that their children may not understand the new rules or not be able to keep themselves safe if they don’t follow the guidance.

Colin Foley, a specialist leader in education and training with 25 years teaching experience and member of the leading British Association “ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity” said: “Many children, particularly the youngest primary school pupils, will struggle to understand what a bubble is, or the importance of it.

“Similarly, they won’t know what distance one metre, or two metres is. In the school building signage will help with markers on the floor, but when they are outdoors and, in the playground, it’ll be difficult for them to know where they can and can’t go.”

A survey* of 6 to 14 year olds by Equazen, found that seven in ten children are nervous about the return to school. Nearly a third (30%) were also worried that others wouldn’t be as responsible about social distancing and handwashing as them.

Creative ways to teach social distancing

“One way to teach them to understand physical distancing is by teaching them to use ‘space arms’. Explain that when they go back to school, if they are asked to try and distance, then if they put their ‘space arm’ out straight and can touch the person around them, they may be too close.

“Remember however, that some children are nervous in a new school year and will be more overwhelmed than normal with new rules in place so keep everything very positive and don’t scare them by making them continually do it. Instead use it as strategy to help them understand what personal space is. Then if their teacher must try and enforce it, they won’t be worried about not understanding.” 

When asked if they are aware of any new rules they’ll have to follow when they’re back at school, over two thirds of children (69%) said they were aware, whilst nearly a quarter (23%) admitted they didn’t know the new rules.

“During the holidays, practice and rehearse social distancing too”, advises Emma Weaver, an early years education expert.

“Have your child recite times where they have experienced physical distancing in the community, such as queuing outside shops, so you know they understand it. Practice and rehearse together both at home and outside. Show your child how this may look at different times in the school day, for example, arrival, departure time, in lessons and during lunch time.”

Explain ‘bubbles’ to them

“Referring to friendship groups and classes as ‘Bubbles’ is very new terminology for children” says Colin.

“Explain that bubbles stay together and that we can’t play with people outside of our bubble. Be clear that they may not be with the same friends from the previous year and that lunch times and break times may happen at different times.

“Support them with this though by setting up pen pal systems and arranging video calls to certain friends when the child is at home. It will be important to support your child to feel a sense of belonging and connectedness whilst they are in bubbles.”

Children with learning difficulties

Emma Weaver, who is also Early Years’ Service Lead at the ADHD Foundation warns of addressing the specific obstacles children with special educational needs might have to overcome. “Children with learning difficulties such as ADHD and Autism thrive in routine, so leaving school unexpectedly and returning after a long period will require substantial preparation. Going back to school with new changes will be a big adjustment.

“Speak to their school and arrange a time for you and your child to visit and view the new school layout. This will help your child process the changes and know what to expect. It can also assure them their routine will return with familiar faces.”

*The survey commissioned by Equazen and carried out by OnePoll asked 1000 UK children aged 6-14 years old.

For some children returning to school will be the first time they have stepped foot in a classroom in a while.

Understandably, this is leaving parents and children nervous about the return to the classroom in an ‘adapted’ school.

With specific measures in place such as one-way systems, socially distanced desks, restrictions on communal play areas and class ‘bubbles’, Colin Foley, a specialist leader in education and training and Emma Weaver, an early years’ education expert have compiled helpful advice for transitioning children back to school as part of Equazen’s Back to School series.

Create a handwash prompt timetable

Create a timetable that teaches them the times they should wash their hands. Include lunchtimes and snack times in the timetable then a reminder for them to go and wash their hands and these parts of their day.

If they already have a planner, incorporate handwash prompts into it for after they have eaten, been outside and playtimes.

For more information on this topic, see our article on creative handwashing hacks 

Explain ‘bubbles’ to them

“Bubbles” when referring to friendship groups and classes is very new terminology for children. Explain that bubbles stay together and that we can’t play with people outside of our bubble. Be clear that they may not be with the same friends from the previous year and that lunch times and break times may happen at different times. Support them with this though by setting up pen pal systems and arranging video calls to certain friends when the child is at home. It will be important to support your child to feel a sense of belonging and connectedness whilst they are in bubbles.

Creative ways to teach social distancing

Social distancing in schools will be difficult, especially at during breaktimes and with younger children. Instead of trying to tell them to be metres apart, which a measure they won’t understand, teach them about personal space and explain its importance currently.

Be positive and reassuring when you talk to them about social distancing, so it doesn’t appear scary. Stress that physical distancing is a positive proactive step which is all about keeping them and others safe and not just a rule to be followed.

For more guidance on this topic, see our article on bubbles and social distancing

Activity, hydration, nutrition for mental health resilience 

Encourage children to be as physically active as possible during the holidays and then after schools and at weekend. It’s extremely important for their mental health.

Have “Wake up and Shake up” routines at the start of the day then regular structured activities throughout the day. Be creative if your child is reluctant by researching different sports and games, creating dance routines together or making home assault courses.

Introduce competitions if appropriate to stimulate interest. Encourage your child to drink between one and 1.5 litres of water per day. For reluctant water drinkers, create a wall chart to add up through the day with appropriate rewards.

To encourage good nutrition, involve your child in planning and preparing meals and encourage experimentation with ingredients and sourcing recipes. Ensure they get enough Omega-3 in their diet, it’s brain food, and if they won’t eat oily fish give them a daily Equazen omega supplement.

Physical exercise, staying hydrated and good nutrition over the holidays will stand children in good stead for school when they need to back to full physical and mental health to flourish during the school day.

Burn off after school energy

Your child may have to cope with more restricted movement and activity in ‘adapted’ schools as outdoor time and curriculum’s are being changed. There may also be changes to classroom organisation and staffing which means they don’t have access to resources or equipment that they helped them to achieve last year.

Therefore, when your child finishes the school day, offer opportunities for some physical activity to work off pent up energy or some calming activities such as listening to music or playing quietly alone to de-sensitise from the day.

Identify areas of strength to minimise feelings of regression

Some children may begin to struggle in school if they feel they aren’t keeping up in class or in certain areas. Build their self-esteem and resilience through helping your child to build competencies. Support your child in a specific interest, skill or talent. Give them the time, space and, if possible, resources to explore specific interests that they enjoy most of do well in.

Being aware of talents in one area can help a child to be more resilient in areas of school life that they may find more challenging. Make sure you share this with their teacher too. Being recognised as talented or knowledgeable in one area will build self-esteem overall.

Reduce anxiety by showing them the ‘new school’

Anxiety is fear of the unknown and a result of those ‘What if?’ questions. What if school is different? What if I can’t sit with my friends? You must address the unknown over the summer holidays about what school will be like, to reduce any anxiety and nervousness.

Some schools have provided virtual tours, flashcards with pictures of the new environment, social media posts or website information to support children so keep using these. Stress that even if some things in school may have changed, other things haven’t, including that you will still drop them off in the morning and be there to collect them in the afternoon.

Introduce self-regulation techniques for emotions

Teach them self-regulatory techniques to help them to manage their emotions and help them to recognise what they are feeling so they can identify and manage any negative emotions. This will help them if they feel nervous, scared or overwhelmed with the return to school. To teach them, label their emotion when you think the child is feeling it then give them a strategy to manage that emotion. For example, if you sense that they are nervous, say to them “I can see that your nervous maybe we could try some deep breathing.”

How healthy is your child’s diet? Here are 5 tips to establishing healthy habits to make sure your child is getting a nutrient rich diet.

It wouldn’t come as a surprise to you that our Western diets have changed drastically from those of our pre-Industrial ancestors. To match today’s go-go-go lifestyles we’ve started to consume more readily available processed foods that are deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids.

The main source of Omega-3s comes from oily fish, but can also be found in wild plants, eggs, nuts and berries—a diet that was more similar to our ancestors in the pre-Industrial days. Due to this shift, it’s also probably no secret that childhood obesity is on the rise, not only from poor diet, but a decline in physical activity. It’s not all doom and gloom, because there are so many things we can do with our children to make sure we are not part of this rising problem. Here are just a few.

5 tips to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle with your child

1. Practice healthy eating: Start healthy eating from the beginning. Get your child eating lean meats and good sources of protein like fish, eggs, beans and nuts. Provide healthy snacks, such as fruits and veggies every day, so they start developing that routine. And, only stock the good stuff at home. Not only does that make sure they always eat healthy, but it keeps you honest too!¹
2. Make smart eating choices together: Don’t make healthy eating feel like a chore, or that they are forced to eat those vegetables. Make the meal an activity—from preparation to eating together. If they feel included in choosing the food, making it with you, and eat it with you, they are more likely to enjoy the whole process.^1,2
3. Activity is just as important as food: Food is important, but it’s not the only component. Your child will want to be bouncing around, so let them! Get them outside and active as much as you can.²
4. Be the role model: They already look up to you, so set a good example and they are sure to follow. Be their food and exercise model so they can watch your good habits and try to replicate.²
5. Don’t forget to treat yourself and them: Although it’s important to limit the amount of sugary and fast foods, they don’t have to be eliminated! A healthy diet can be accompanied  once in a while by a lovely slice of chocolate cake or other treat (not every day, but perhaps once a week).²

References

1. Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Healthy eating 0-5 years. Available at: https://www.mcri.edu.au/parents/parent-fact-sheets/fact-sheet-healthy-eating-0-5-years?gclid=CjwKCAjwxILdBRBqEiwAHL2R8zc8_3QbxKsWyElSeQnEHHSB-kwatEmumhBStaoKXzcSzCDmFvvfKRoC3ZcQAvD_BwE.  Accessed October 2018.
2. Taste.com.au. Top 10 tips on healthy eating for kids. Available at: https://www.taste.com.au/healthy/articles/top-10-tips-on-healthy-eating-for-kids/179uscQx. Accessed October 2018.