While it is normal for your little kids to get a little under the weather with a fever, cough, or cold every now and then, what we don’t want is for the virus or bacteria to disrupt their development.
When in normal mode, our immune system is designed to fight disease and keep bacteria and viruses away. If our immune system is compromised at any time, our children become more vulnerable and susceptible to colds, flu or any serious illness. Bugs and germs are all around us strange as this might sound, this exposure can actually strengthen our child’s immune system. There are, however, some smart habits we can adopt, to give our children the boost they need to fight infections. We have listed some below for you:
Eating Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals, as well as other nutrients to boost your child’s' health. Incorporating them into your child’s daily menu will go a long way in preventing your little darlings from infection.
It is worth noting here that a healthy diet should not be about including that one ‘magical’ piece of fruit or veggie. A healthy diet should consist of a variety of foods as one fruit, vegetable or grain isn’t really that much any better than the other and they all bring something to the table (excuse the pun). So be sure to expose your kids to a wide range of whole grains, meat, fish, legumes in addition to the fruit and vegetables already mentioned.
Instilling Hygiene as a Way of Life
A good place to start would be by washing their hands with soap. This should be done when they come in from the outside (school, an activity etc). It goes without saying that hands should be washed before meals and after using the bathroom. Be sure to also have your child wash their hands after playing any game or handling their pets.
Getting Enough Sleep
Insufficient amounts of sleep can lead to a significant decline in the body's immunity. Incorporating naptimes for your child every day is a good way to clock up on those extra ‘slumber - miles’ to see that your child fills that quota. They may not always be in the mood for a nap, in which case, you could put them to bed earlier in the evening.
Doing Exercises or Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities are always a fun thing to do so there should be no problem with you getting your children to join in. Activities could range from the energy-busting type, a leisurely stroll. It could also involve a bit of gardening or other outdoor chores. Whatever the activity, your child will definitely benefit from it as it will increase their endurance. Ideally, your child should be doing some form of activity daily – not just at school, so think of ways to get your child on the move, activity-wise. Don’t overwhelm them and make it as fun as possible.
Conclusion
These habits do seem quite simple, yet they can be quite easily be taken for granted or completely overlooked. Have a look at your current routine to see how and where you can incorporate these tips. These tips will definitely help you on your way to plugging those immune deficiencies in your child.
