This is the most common question from parents, followed by questions about "immunity pills." Most children do indeed start getting sick more often in kindergarten, and there's a reason for this:
- They come into contact with new people (exchanging bacteria and viruses),
- The child experiences stress (new place, new food, unfamiliar people),
- Everyone is in a confined, essentially "closed" space.
A child's immune system is not yet ready to quickly and efficiently handle infectious agents, so parents often stay home with their sick children. There are simple rules to reduce the likelihood of frequent illness and negative emotions:
- Vaccinate
- Follow personal hygiene rules
- Go for walks, get fresh air, and engage in active games
- Regularly ventilate the house, maintain adequate humidity (45-60%), and keep the air temperature between 18-22 degrees Celsius
- Adjust the child's daily routine to match the kindergarten schedule in advance (wake up at the same time, adapt meal times to the kindergarten routine)
- Explain to the child what to expect (you will meet new children, make many new friends, engage in exciting activities, etc.)
- During walks, you can pass by the kindergarten (if it's nearby), show the children how they are playing, and let them see they are having fun.
- At home, you can play a role-playing game with your child, show what the teacher does what the children do (use toys), and be sure to explain that they need to sleep at kindergarten.