Whether your kids are in school, daycare or just around a lot of other kids regularly, chances are your family has been taken down with a few ailments this cold and flu season. While the illness may seem unrelenting, with some strategic management, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel a little sooner. Here are some tried and true techniques from moms like you that can help your kids feel like themselves in no time:
First Signs of a Cold
As soon as you notice your little one start with a cough or sniffle, get ready to stop that cold in its tracks. Start with plenty of fluids. Increased fluid intake can help loosen mucus and prevent dehydration that can occur with fever, according to MayoClinic.com. But beware, all fluids are not created equally, so this is no reason to let your child have all of the juice boxes he wants. Steer clear of sugary juices, sports drinks and sodas. Instead, load up on water and unsweetened fresh juices like orange juice or a green smoothie. For a soothing warm drink to help ease a sore throat, give your little one a mug of warm water with lemon juice and a bit of raw honey. Pair these beverages with a vitamin-packed soup, such as vegetarian chili, chicken noodle or miso soup to help provide ample nutrition for bolstering immunity.
Full-Blown Case of the Sickies
It often starts in the middle of the night with a, “Mommy I don’t feel good.”
In order to make the most of the day and help your child get the rest needed to heal, create a soothing environment. Keep the room nap-friendly with blackout blinds on the windows and plenty of pillows and cozy blankets.
Make comfy sweats the mandatory uniform for the day and offer extra television time to encourage relaxation. Many moms swear by rubbing Vick’s Vapor Rub on your child’s feet, topped with socks, as a cold remedy. While most evidence of this home remedy’s effectiveness are anecdotal, it’s a relied-upon trick in many moms’s arsenals. Consult your pediatrician before using it on your child to be on the safe side.
Soothe congestion with a cool-mist humidifier as well as an essential oil diffuser with your favorite blend. Peppermint and eucalyptus oils can be helpful for sinus trouble, and tea tree oil and lavender are also effective oils for healing to add into the mix.
An Ounce of Prevention
Your kids are never too young to learn the healthy habit of hand washing. Lead by example and make sure you wash up after visiting public places like school, work, the grocery store or even just filling up on fuel at the gas station. Discourage your little ones from putting their hands in their mouths or rubbing their eyes, as both offer opportunities for germs to thrive.
A healthy diet and ample sleep are also essential elements to build strong immunity. Teach your kids the importance of eating the rainbow, enjoying fruits and vegetables and staying away from too much sugar and processed foods. A daily children’s multivitamin and probiotic can also be helpful to keep immune systems as strong as possible.
