It is that time of year again!! Beginning of the school year which, inevitably means that head lice will be circling soon (if it isn’t already). I’m pretty sure I just heard the sigh you let out. Followed by the “I hope my kid doesn’t come home with it”. You are probably wondering how on earth you can possibly avoid this itchy predicament. Have no fear. I am hear to share my favorite ‘secrets’ with you so that your house can avoid lice too.
Talk to Your Kids
Take time to explain to your kids the importance of not sharing hats, combs/brushes or even towels. It’s quite common for almost any school age child to share these items without a second thought. It is also important to mention that avoiding activities where their head will make contact with another person’s head. Any of these things easily transfer lice from one person to another.
Best Way to Prevent Head Lice
Tea Tree Oil
Lice hate the smell of Tea Tree Oil. There are several different ways you can use the tea tree oil to help avoid lice.
Shampoo/Conditioner
Adding a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to your child’s shampoo and conditioner will help to keep lice away. Simply add a few drops, shake it to mix and you are ready to use.
Another option, is to buy a tea tree oil shampoo from your local salon or favorite store.
Diluted
Add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to a small or medium sized spray bottle and fill the rest with water. Doing this, you can mist it on to your child’s head on the way out the door, on their backpack, hats, scarves or even clothing. You can even mist the seats in your car if you wanted to.
Head Checks
Make a routine of checking your child’s head for lice. Live lice are quick and can be difficult to spot however, lice can be found by nits on the hair strands. If you aren’t sure what you are looking for (or how to look) you can google images or, ask your child’s doctor.
The Dryer
If it is suspected that your child may have came into contact with lice, it is best to throw all of their pillows, blankets, stuffed animals and anything else that they are in close constant contact with in the dryer on high for at least 15 minutes.
These are a few ways to help your family avoid lice while it is quickly circulating within the schools and daycares come the end of summer. You can never fully guarantee that it can be avoided but these are ways to help make it more of a possibility for your family to avoid lice this coming school year.
