Immune Support
Every year it seems to happen like clockwork. You buy the school supplies, pack the lunches, snap the first-day photos…and within a few weeks, someone comes home with a runny nose.
Sound familiar?
As children return to classrooms, they’re exposed to hundreds of new germs through shared desks, playground equipment, lunch tables, and close contact with classmates. While getting sick occasionally is a normal part of growing up, there are many simple habits that can help support your child’s overall health and wellness throughout the school year.
Here are twelve practical ways to help your family stay healthier this back-to-school season. Let’s increase immune support holistically.
1. Prioritize Quality Sleep
For optimal immune support we need sleep as it is one of the most important things you can do for your child’s overall health. When children don’t get enough sleep, they may be more susceptible to illness and have a harder time concentrating at school.
Try to:
- Create a consistent bedtime routine.
- Limit screens before bed.
- Keep bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet.
Grab my FREE night time wind down for kid’s guide HERE.
2. Fill Their Plate with Color
For immune support a rainbow of fruits and vegetables provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall wellness. Aim to include colorful foods like:
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
Small changes made consistently can add up over time.
3. Keep Them Hydrated
Immune support is improved with hydration. Many children simply don’t drink enough water during the school day. Hydration supports normal body functions and may help children feel more energetic and focused.
Consider sending a reusable water bottle to school every day. But wash it in HOT water with a natural dish soap like Thieves.
4. Encourage Good Handwashing
Immune support is easy with this habit. One of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of germs is proper handwashing. Teach children to wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
- Before eating
- After using the restroom
- After recess
- After coughing or sneezing
To make sure hand washing is long enough, I used to have my Fantastic Four sing the Alphabet song slowly. They hated it. I tried.
I love a great smelling hand soap. It makes me look forward to washing my hands. Check this “clean” hand soap out.
5. Get Outside Every Day
Immune support comes naturally with fresh air and regular physical activity benefit both physical and mental well-being. Even a family walk after dinner can make a difference.
When outside time isn’t in the cars, I try to keep windows open even for five minutes. Letting fresh air into our homes is refreshing!
6. Reduce Added Sugar
Immune support in a sour way. While treats certainly have their place, diets high in added sugar can crowd out more nutritious foods.
Focus on:
- Whole fruits
- Nuts
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Protein-rich snacks
instead of highly processed options whenever possible. Don’t tell your kids I wrote this, they may hate me for it. ๐
7. Build a Healthy Gut
Immune support is a gut topic. Did you know much of the body’s immune system is connected to the digestive tract? Supporting gut health through a balanced diet that includes fiber-rich foods and fermented foods (when appropriate) can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Some families also choose to include a probiotic as part of their daily wellness routine after discussing it with their healthcare provider. I do this with a yummy pixie stick that I mention below. Stay tuned.
8. Manage Stress
Immune support happens when we are at peace and full of joy. School can be excitingโbut it can also be stressful.
Encourage:
- Family conversations
- Prayer
- Reading together
- Outdoor play
- Quiet time
These simple habits can help children feel emotionally supported.
My go to for rides to and home from school is Stress Away Essential Oil. I used to put a few drops in my car’s/van’s air vents. It helped our commute feel more bearable.
9. Keep Frequently Touched Items Clean
Immune support happens with cleanliness. Think beyond kitchen counters. Don’t forget to regularly clean:
- Lunch boxes
- Water bottles
- Backpacks
- Phones
- Tablets
- Doorknobs
I shamelessly plug Thieves Cleaner in this category. It makes it easy and it smells great too.
Not only keep the items clean, but on the go hands clean too. Thieves hand sanitizer is helpful too.
10. Teach Healthy Habits
Immune support happens with small action. Help children remember to:
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid touching their face.
- Stay home when they’re sick if possible.
- Wash hands after blowing their nose.
These small habits help protect the whole family.
11. Consider Wellness-Support Products
Immune support can be purchased too. In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, some families choose to include wellness-support products as part of their daily routine.
Here are three that our family enjoys:
Thievesยฎ Sanitizing Spray
This convenient spray is easy to keep in a backpack, purse, or car for quick hand and surface sanitizing when soap and water aren’t available.
As part of our morning routine, I would spray this lightly on the bottom’s of my kids feet. It helps support the immune system through the skin.
MightyProโข Probiotic Pixie Sticks
These kid-friendly probiotic gummies are designed to support digestive health, which plays an important role in overall wellness.
MightyZymeโข Immuno Gummies
These gummies provide vitamins and nutrients that support a healthy immune system as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
These are so yummy, do not let your children eat too many. I bet your kids gobble them up! You could give them a gummy or two as a reward after dinner. How fun is that?!?
As always, talk with your child’s healthcare provider if you have questions about supplements or what’s appropriate for your child.
12. Don’t Forget to Celebrate Progress
Immune support is accomplished with small steps of progress. Healthy living isn’t about perfection.
It’s about building small habits that become part of everyday life.
One extra serving of vegetables.
A little earlier bedtime.
Some more drinks of water.
One more family walk.
These little choices add up over time ending up with less viruses and more immune support. Healthy people have more fun. Prove me wrong.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Immune support can actually be enjoyable!
By focusing on healthy habits, good nutrition, regular sleep, movement, hydration, and simple wellness routines, you’ll be giving your family a strong foundation for the months ahead.
Remember, every healthy choice mattersโeven the small ones. Make immune support FUN!
Free Gift for You!
Want an easy way to prepare your family for a healthier school year?
Download my FREE Healthy Home & Wellness Guide!
Inside you’ll discover:
- Simple daily healthy habits
- Healthy home tips
- Ways to reduce unnecessary chemicals around your home
- Family wellness routines
- Easy swaps for a healthier lifestyle
- Printable checklists you can start using today
Grab your FREE Wellness Guide today and start building healthier habitsโone simple step at a time!
For more healthy tips for kids see the post: Why is My Baby So Fussy? Natural Tips To Help.
