5 Ways To Teach Children Sneezing And Coughing Etiquette

Illustration of how to teach children coughing and sneezing etiquette (Freepik)

JAKARTA – Coughing and sneezing etiquette is not only related to politeness but also to maintaining health. Germs and bacteria that cause infection can spread easily among children. It spreads easily when you cough or sneeze, then come into contact with other children.

That's why parents need to teach coughing and sneezing etiquette. At first it may take some getting used to, because this habit is new to children. Especially during a pandemic, the spread of the virus can be avoided with a simple thing, namely by closing the possibility of sneezing and coughing droplets being spread. How, here are the steps.

1. Show clearly

As reported by the IDAI page (Indonesian Pediatrician Association), Thursday, January 6, droplet nuclei or tiny droplets contain viruses or bacteria if released by a child or adult who is sick with a respiratory infection. Respiratory tract infections such as colds, sinusitis, pneumonia.

The first step, show how to sneeze and cough clearly. Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve, sleeves, or tissue if possible. Show the method clearly.

Why cover it with your arm, because if you do it by hand, you have to wash your hands immediately so that when you hold things around it it doesn't stick. This means that it will be more effective to cover with the inner arm of the elbow.

2. Explain how germs can move

New habits are easiest to teach if a little knowledge is followed. This is necessary because it helps children understand that germs are very small and can easily move, infect, and cause disease.

Teach also, by covering the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, can help germs do not spread too far and infect other people.

You can also teach by demonstration, for example using flour. Put the flour in the palm of the hand then pretend to cough. Flour is a symbol of germs that spread when you get knocked off when you cough.

3. Give appreciation when the child does it right

When you see your child doing it right, appreciate it. Be sure to give them credit when they do a good job. This will encourage them to keep doing it until it becomes a habit for them.

If on the other hand, the child does not cover when coughing and sneezing, do not scold them. Gently remind them to do it next time.

4. Guide by example

Children are great imitators. He can imitate a good example of their parents. That is, you also need to do it so that the baby follows what you do.

5. Make it a rule of the game

Play is a way of learning for children. So that how to teach is more fun and understood and practiced by children, make this etiquette a rule of the game. For example, by giving a funny picture on the elbow when the child does the etiquette of coughing and sneezing. You can also turn it into a cheerful song so he can remember it more easily.

I hope this suggestion is useful. In addition, take care of your health and follow health protocols to avoid exposure to viruses, bacteria, and germs.