You may think colds are inevitable for your kids, but the truth is, it doesn’t have to be. There are several steps you can take to help them stay away from common illnesses. Follow these 10 tips to keep your kids healthy during cold season.
Update: Now that Covid 19 has hit us (Hard), these tips are more valuable than ever.
10 Tips to keep your kids healthy during sold season AND during the Pandemic.
I’m starting this list off with what I think is the most important – Keep Your House Clean. If there’s sickness all over your house and the kids are getting sick time and time again, it’s time to detoxify your home. I mean, scrub it down, parents!
Related: How to Clean Your Home After Your Kids Were Sick(Opens in a new browser tab)
Keep Your House Clean To Keep Your Kids Healthy
Do your best to disinfect your home (without chemicals). Wipe down commonly used areas of your home, like light switches, faucet handles, remotes, and handrails, often with a natural disinfectant like vinegar. If this isn’t helping, then, as I mentioned above – it’s time for a Home Detox Cleaning.
Related: Tips to Stay Healthy During the Winter Months(Opens in a new browser tab)
Wash Your Hands Often
If your kids only follow one rule from this list, make it this one. Since kids often touch each other and their mouths and faces, washing their hands regularly is the best way to keep them healthy. Your kids should wash their hands with warm water and soap before eating, after going to the bathroom, and when they come inside from playing.
Related: 15 Ways to Detox Your Home(Opens in a new browser tab)
Cover Your Mouth
I’m sure all parents do this, but I’m going to tell you again. Teach your kids to cover their mouth with the inside of their elbow when sneezing or coughing. This helps them avoid transferring their germs to their hands and possibly other kids.
Use Your Knuckle
Another tip along these lines is to teach your kids (and yourself) to use your knuckle when pushing buttons (i.e., elevator button) instead of a finger. How many times do we touch our faces and other parts of our bodies with our fingers? A lot – so use your knuckle!
Get Plenty Of Rest
Growing children need a lot of sleep – between 9 and 14 hours each night. Making sure your kids get the necessary sleep they need will help them ward off illnesses because restful sleep helps strengthen their immune system.
Stay Active
Keeping your kids active during cold season will also help boost their immune systems. Regular, moderate exercise every day is essential in keeping your kids healthy during cold season.
Below is my husband and son being active at the Annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Event. Though it’s walking distance from our house (picture of them above walking to the event), these guys are getting exercise!
Avoid Sharing
While we often teach our young children the importance of sharing, children should keep things to themselves during cold season. Sharing items, from pencils to food, increases the likelihood that your kids will share their germs as well. At my son’s school, they are not allowed to share their food during lunchtime or snack time.
Eat Healthily
Another great way to keep your kids healthy during the cold season is to make sure they have a well-balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables. Foods with lots of vitamins C and D are great at starving colds.
Stay Hydrated
A hydrated body is better at fighting off germs and viruses, so it’s also important to make sure your kids are drinking plenty of water. Water is also essential to help keep mucus thin and can prevent dehydration due to fever.
Avoid Sick Kids
While this seems like an obvious point, it’s probably not easy for your kids to do. Sick kids come to school every day. But remind them that staying away from other kids who have a cold will help keep them healthy.
Hopefully, these 10 Tips to Keep Your Kids Healthy During Cold Season will work for your family, and you’ll be able to go through this awful season sick-free! That’s my hope for you!
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