If the world wasn’t afraid of germs enough, the COVID-19 pandemic cemented a deep-rooted fear in many hearts. Germs, whether they manifest as bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, are responsible for numerous illnesses in little ones. Parents, teachers, and other caregivers naturally focus on guarding against germs by teaching kids to practice hygiene.
But have you wondered if our response to germs has started to border on paranoia? Are many of us becoming germaphobes and transferring our anxieties to our kids?
The Conversation notes that some exposure to microbes can help children develop stronger immunity and lower their vulnerability to allergies and autoimmune diseases. In this context, fear-mongering about germs will not benefit our children.
Here are some ideas to help children understand the world of germs and stay safe (without going overboard).
From Ordering Handwashing to Showing Why
For many kids, the subject of germs first comes up in conversation when parents ask them to wash their hands.
The CDC explains that hand hygiene directly diminishes the risk of respiratory and gut infections. It recommends washing your hands for around 20 seconds, humming the classic “Happy Birthday” song twice for correct timing.
However, the message is lost on many children. After all, their hands seem clean enough; why do Mom and Dad keep fussing?
A good way to drive this point home is to tell children that germs are very tiny and can only be seen under a microscope. Lest they assume you are joking, why not arrange a trip to a kid-friendly science lab where they can use a microscope?
The Kids Research Institute Australia has some fantastic experiments and activities to teach kids about germs. One of the coolest is “growing” your own germs on regular slices of bread. Young learners can see the difference between slices that were clean and those that they touched with dirty hands. Seeing is believing.
Role Models Who Care and Inspire
It might seem that young children are eternally creating one chaotic situation after another, but many of them actually love finding solutions too. For harmful germs that cause sickness, the ultimate solution lies with doctors and nurses.
When talking to kids about germs and diseases, you can plan a trip to a local community health center or children’s hospital. Many health organizations plan such events to raise health awareness in a fun, engaging way.
Health professionals now advise hygiene practices from an early age. For example, a pediatric NP degree program may educate nurses not only about children’s health care management but also about health promotion and maintenance from birth through adolescence.
According to Spring Arbor University, professionals who work with the pediatric population strive to understand the patients’ comprehensive history and medical needs to recommend the best approach. Seeing these superstars in action can be inspiring and empowering for children. It tells them that harmful germs can be defeated.
Moreover, such sessions can also be a good avenue for instilling healthy habits, such as eating more vegetables or reducing screen time. It doesn’t come across as preachy when the professionals say it.
Good Germs Can Protect Us Against Bad Ones
We are not saying all kids love superheroes. But, well, many of them do. Why not let ‘good’, protective microorganisms drive the conversation about germs?
For example, EatingWell notes that good bacteria in the gut can boost immune function and digestion. These microbes can also protect your body from infections caused by hostile bacteria.
A Frontiers in Microbiology study suggests that probiotic strains, i.e., friendly bacteria, may protect against cavities. No more getting scared of long treatments at the dentist.
You can tell children about these warriors right inside their bodies and how they can take care of them. VeryWell Health has an excellent list of probiotic foods that can balance the microbial population in your tummy. Some of these, like cheese and frozen yogurt, are favorites among many children.
Learning that germs aren’t always something to be scared of, but can actually be our friends, is comforting for little ones.
It is especially helpful for kids with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and associated mental health problems. Mayo Clinic advises that parents of kids with OCD should consider exposure therapy to handle fears (in this case, germs). It comprises small experiments to face fears and build confidence.
Therefore, participating in kids’ “rituals” or going overboard with reassuring them may not be the best idea. Instead, helping children work through their obsessions is a more sustainable approach.
Our world now hosts antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viruses that can bring everything to a standstill. Infectious diseases spread easily among children since they stay in close physical proximity in a school or daycare environment. While telling them to protect against germs is crucial, we don’t want to make them afraid or anxious.
As a teacher or caregiver, the best way to bring this balance is to keep germ-related conversations fun and casual. Although children have different learning styles, many appreciate interactive activities that seem less instructional, more practical. Just because germs can be troublesome doesn’t mean we cannot have fun overpowering them.
Two Jersey Moms, a pediatric occupational therapist & elementary school teacher, providing fun and simple activities to get your little ones learning through play.