Disclosure: Diary of a First Time Mom is taking the PURELL® 30 Day Challenge! Although I received some form of compensation for this post, all opinions remain my own. 

Dear Diary,

I can’t believe summer is unofficially over. This week, Caitlynn successfully completed her first week of preschool. All summer, she looked forward to returning to class as a big kid who can teach all the little kids to follow rules like sitting criss cross applesauce, putting on their listening ears and washing their hands.

The new school year brings new friends, new experiences and new germs. That’s why we are taking the PURELL® 30-Day Challenge. The challenge is designed to encourage people to practice good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of illness-causing germs. Caitlynn’s class took the challenge before it was even a challenge! Her teachers even sent home a form giving permission to use hand sanitizer. The children wash their hands before eating a meal, after using the bathroom and when there is visible dirt. To keep germs at bay beyond the messy moments, the students sanitize their hands. During our challenge, we used  PURELL® three times a day.

In the Morning

Caitlynn takes after her mommy–she likes to sleep in! Since we aren’t early birds, we often eat on the run. Although Caitlynn’s school provides breakfast and lunch, I serve her a snack, usually in the car. Before she drinks her milk or eats her breakfast bar, she uses  PURELL® wipes.

Before she heads up to her classroom, I squirt sanitizer on her hands.

In the Afternoon

When I pick Caitlynn up from school, we sometimes hang out at the children’s museum, park or other kid-friendly attraction. Lots of fun and lots of germs, since there are so may hands-on learning activities.

In the Evening

In order to play hard, I must work hard. That means Caitlynn has to hang out at my office, which is equipped with a snack and sanitizer station. My co-worker bought Caitlynn washable markers, and she creates works of art to hang on our walls using our scrap paper.

I realize coughs and cols come with raising a preschooler, however a little soap, water and sanitizer will help us make it through the school year.

Hey DFTM Fam–How are you fighting germs? Do you plan to take the  PURELL® 30-Day Challenge? Sign up for a chance to win lots of cool prizes to keep your family happy and healthy.