Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Tampa, FL

Today I am home with a congested, feverish two year old who happens to also have pink eye on top of it all. I too am sniffling as I type this. So, as we head into the winter months, I think it is about time we chat about preventing colds and fighting off the germs that seem to surround both us and our youngest ones this time of year. Hopefully, we can fend off a few more colds or cases of pink eye this winter if we follow these hints.

Children seem to be magnets for germs. They touch everything around them in grocery stores, in bathrooms and at school. MSNBC wrote a great article about the 12 "germiest" places out there. Some of the top spots were: the water fountain, the remote control, playgrounds, shopping cart handles and even your purse! WebMD also wrote an article about how to fight germs in your child's lunchbox.  There is no doubt about it, we can't avoid exposure to germs. But what are the best ways for you and your children to fight germs?

Wash Hands. You and your children should wash hands after coming home, after using the bathroom, petting animals, after handling food or garbage and after coughing or sneezing. To ensure your hands are clean enough, the water should be warm and you should suds up for as long as it takes to sing the "ABCs" - slowly.

Use Hand Sanitizer. The CDC does recommend using hand sanitizer if hand washing is not an option. The hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol to be affective.

The three foot rule. If your children are able to understand, try to have them stand 3 feet away from other children who have colds. (Personally, this bit of advice seems impossible since children are always in each other's space but it doesn't hurt to try!)

Cough into arms. When a child coughs or sneezes into their hands, the germs will easily jump to another person. If they cough or sneeze into their arms - or the crook of the elbows - germs will be less likely to spread. Click here for more good "cough etiquette". Be sure to check out the Germy Worm - a new product made for kids who cough or sneeze into their arms.

Don't share. When it comes to food, lip balms, drinks, forks, straws or anything that comes in contact with your mouth, this is one time when it is not ok for your child to share.

Change out of your school clothes. Germs hang out on clothes. It is a good idea to change into new clothes once your children are home.  Especially if your child has been coughing into the crook of their arm all day!

Flu shot. We've discussed this topic already. However, if you are choosing to get a flu shot, you should get one now before the peak of the season begins.

And now for some fun and helpful links:

Meet Henry the Hand! He has some great tips, videos and coloring pages to remind your kids to wash up frequently.

Are you the singing type? Click here for some fun songs that will remind your kids to wash their hands to keep germs away.

Pink eye is very contagious. Do you think your child might have pink eye? Do you want to prevent your other children (and yourself) from getting it too? Click here for some helpful information about pink eye.

And finally, here are some educational videos about germs for your children:

• How Germs are Spread (Not for the germy faint at heart, but it certainly gets the point across!)
• Crawford the Cat Teaches Children about Hand Washing.

Best of luck preventing colds and the flu this winter season!