Healthy Tips for Healthy Kids
Are you worried about how to keep you and your kids healthy this school year? Today was my 2nd grader’s first day of school. We had such an amazing, fun-filled summer, but we are all ready to get back into the groove of things. Personally, I am ready for all things fall. However, I can’t help but dread the sickness I know will befall us all in the coming weeks. Having worked in a school for 14 years, I am no stranger to germs. I go through countless jugs of hand sanitizer in a year- I keep the stuff in my car, my purse, my kitchen counter, and hang it on my kid’s backpack knowing dang well she will not be using it. While I’ve always been a bit of a germaphobe, I became even more so after the birth of my first child. Then, of course, Covid-19 in 2020. I was THAT person disinfecting and quarantining groceries. It was a stressful time!
While I know that completely avoiding any and all illness is impossible, I’ve worked with our doctor to choose the best supplements for my kiddos and have developed the best protocol for us, and it has helped reduce the severity of colds in our house. Let me preface by saying I am not a doctor, and could be totally full of crap. This is what works for us, but it may not be what is best for you and your children. Please speak with YOUR doctor or healthcare professional.
Wash Hands
Sure, this seems simple. Why would I even add this? Because I can’t tell you how many kids do NOT wash their hands. While fancy, antibacterial soap is not required (see this article from the Food and Drug Administration), I do find it helpful to buy soap that my kids will be excited to use. If they think it smells good, or if the container is fun, they are more likely to wash their hands without being prompted to do so. I ask my kids to wash their hands when they arrive home from school, after they participate in messy crafts, after using the bathroom, and before eating.
Elderberry
Elderberry gummies were suggested to us at an appointment with our pediatrician back in 2019 when I had taken one of my kiddos in yet again for a horrendous cold and ear infection. It felt like they were sick constantly! It was explained to us that elderberry would assist in minimizing the severity of illnesses, but would not necessarily reduce the frequency. This ended up being the case for us, as they still managed to bring home infection at about the same rate. They never seemed to get terribly sick, however. We use the following brand. We use Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Gummies with Vitamin D and Zinc (affiliate link).
Probiotics
A healthy gut is so important to adults and kids alike. Most kids don’t have ideal diets full of probiotic rich food and devoid of sugars. I give my kiddos probiotic yogurts, and we supplement with probiotic gummies. Our pediatrician had originally suggested that we use an “unflavored,” powdered version, but I couldn’t get this past my kids in food or drinks. Short of force feeding them, this wasn’t happening. I was so happy to find the Lil’ Critters brand, and my kids will actually eat them with a smile.
Choose Hydration
I am crazy about water. My kids? Not so much. However, we all know that water is important to all of us for so many wonderful reasons. A hydrated body is able to flush out toxins, has healthier cells, and contributes to healthier skin. Healthier skin provides a better barrier to germs trying to enter the body. None of these facts impress my children, so some trickery is involved. While juice isn’t great for kids, I improve its hydrating capabilities by cutting it with water. Honestly, their juice is mostly water at this point, but don’t tell them. This is also a great money saving hack! They are at ages where independence is kind of fun, so they enjoy operating the ice and water dispenser on the refrigerator, so that helps with their water consumption. They also eat plenty of hydrating fruits and vegetables throughout the day, and take water to bed as a stall tactic that we allow. You can also flavor their water with fruit to help them drink more.
Audit Your Child’s Diet
I am not advocating that you never give your child treats, mine get plenty. However, if your child exists solely on chicken nuggets and other processed food, it may be time for a change. A diet consisting of mostly whole foods is ideal for children, and will help them feel their best. There is also science supporting that a healthy, whole foods based diet will minimize less desirable behaviors. If you feel that you have a long way to go to get yourself and/or your children to an acceptably healthy place in terms of diet, start small. See what healthy foods you can ADD rather than take away, and keep offering those healthy options. I’ve given my kids raw and cooked vegetables since day one, and they do a pretty good job of eating them. This didn’t happen overnight.
Be Prepared
Sing it in Scar from the Lion King’s voice like I did. It will happen. Despite your best efforts, you and your child will likely get sick. If you don’t EVER get sick, please let me in on your secrets! Especially with tummy bugs, you don’t want to find yourself without provisions should you find yourself with a sick kiddo in the middle of the night. In the fall, I go through my medicines for both myself and my kids. I get rid of anything expired or that recommends disposal within a certain amount of time after opening. I stock up on LOTS of tissues, purchase a new bottle of fever reducer such as Motrin, replace the cough suppressants and decongestants, and will keep some Pedialyte on hand. There is ALWAYS hand sanitizer handy, and a jar of Vicks. Unsure of what to do when your child is unwell? Call your pediatrician for advice.
What is your plan to stay well this school year? I’d love to hear if you have anything to add to this list!