5 Tips to Keeping Your Kids Healthier this School Year

Tip Number One: Proper Hand Washing

It is so important to teach your kids to wash their hands properly. The CDC says that proper hand washing is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick. I love these easy steps from Moms against Cooties:

  1. Wet your hands with warm water.

  2. Lather up with soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

  3. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds – about the time it takes to say the alphabet slowly or hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

  4. Rinse your hands well under warm, running water.

  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel.

Tip Number Two: Prepare Healthy Meals for Your Family

To build a strong immune system it is important to fuel our families bodies with nutritious foods. Some examples of Immune Boosting foods are:

  1. Citrus Fruits

  2. Red Bell Peppers

  3. Broccoli

  4. Yogurt

  5. Spinach

  6. Garlic

  7. Ginger

  8. Poultry

  9. Sunflower Seeds

  10. Kiwi

Want some great recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner using some super foods? Check out this article: Healthy Immunity Recipes

Tip Number Three: Make Sure Your Child is Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Not getting enough sleep has been linked to several mental and physical health problems and that could be from a weakened immune system. Experts say, school aged children need 9-11 hours of sleep each night to help stay happy and healthy. Here are some great ideas from Very Well to implement in your home to ensure your kiddos are getting proper sleep:

  1. Stick to a routine

  2. Limit electronic stimulation

  3. Keep your child’s room comfortable for sleeping

  4. Set aside time for catching up with your child after school

  5. Watch out for the sneaky caffeine that can be found in foods like chocolate or sodas

  6. Watch your child for signs of being ready for bed

Tip Number Four: Proper Supplementation to Build Immunity

Proper nutrition is most definitely the first priority when trying to give our kids the nutrients that their bodies need to grow and be healthy. However, as gaps occur in their diets, it is beneficial to supplement. The science behind building a healthy gut and building your immune system is significant. The connection is true for our kids, as well. So, my kiddos take a probiotic and multivitamin daily. We use the Plexus Probio5 and XFactor Family Chewables.

Tip Number Five: Exercise as a Family

Exercise is a great way to keep yourself as well as your children free from diseases. Even a small game of tag or baseball with the family before dinner is a great way to pump your kids up before they eat, as well as, a chance to spend some quality family time together. Exercise works best when parents encourage it, so you should take initiatives to keep it regular and your children will pick up the habit in no time. Here are some great ideas for activities to do with your family:

  1. Before dinner or after dinner walks

  2. Dance party

  3. Make a game out of household chores

  4. Weekly sports nights

  5. Yard work/gardening

Here is to keeping our kids happy and healthy this year!

xoxo, Jessie

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