Our kids are exposed to an endless array of sickness-causing germs and viruses every single day. Unfortunately, this is something we can’t control, as there’s no way we can keep our children 100% protected from germs no matter how hard we try. The only thing we can do as parents is to help boost our kids’ immune systems, and hopefully reduce their risk of getting sick.
A healthy immune system plays a vital role in protecting us from diseases caused by toxins, viruses, and bacteria. It helps eradicate foreign bodies from our system in order to keep us healthy.
Because a strong immune system isn’t present at birth, we play a crucial role as parents in making sure our children’s immune systems get a boost.
Read on and learn about some healthy habits and tips you can follow on how to boost your child’s immune system.
Incorporate more greens into your meals
One of the primary reasons why kids may get sick more easily is poor nutrition. Nutrition is about more than just the quantity of foods we eat. It’s also about the quality. Nutrition is about consciously incorporating healthy foods into our diets and reducing unhealthy ones.
If your child has a big appetite, this doesn’t necessarily equate to good nutrition, especially if your little one eats more junk foods than fruits and vegetables. Picky eating is a dilemma many of us face as parents. Some kids can be quite stubborn when it comes to eating healthily. The good news is that you get to decide what food is served, Therefore, you have the power to make sure more greens are incorporated into your meals.
Inject a little creativity when serving your kids fruits and vegetables. Cut vegetables into fun shapes and sizes, and serve them with tasty dips and sauces. Try making frozen popsicles made of fruits, or make some smoothies.
Promote regular handwashing
Another important step that helps strengthen a child’s immune system is proper and consistent handwashing. Handwashing is the first line of defense against the spread of germs that cause colds, coughs, and other infections. This may seem like a simple step, but it’s an important precaution your family needs to take to help reduce the likelihood of getting sick.
Help children develop the habit of handwashing at key times during the day, such as before and after meals, and also after sneezing or coughing, when they get home from school, after playing outside, or after petting an animal. Teach your child the proper way to wash his or her hands using soap and water. Make sure children thoroughly rub their palms, the backs of their hands, and the spaces between their fingers for at least 20 seconds.
Make sleep a priority
Sleep deprivation weakens a person’s immune system. It can make us more susceptible to illnesses. This is why it’s imperative to make sleep a priority in your family. Be sure to establish a healthy bedtime routine at home, as sleep plays an especially important role in your child’s growth and development.
Getting to bed on time can be difficult for many people. It’s tempting to stay up an hour longer watching our favorite TV shows or playing on our phones and tablets. This may be the case for your kids too. Bedtime is often interrupted because of too many distractions. However, it’s crucial to enforce and follow a consistent bedtime routine and prioritize sleep in your home. Eliminate screens and other electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. Incorporate sleep-inducing and calming activities to help your child get in the mood for sleep.
Exercise
Regular exercise isn’t just important for adults! Young kids need to get their bodies moving, too! Sufficient physical activity is important when it comes to strengthening your child’s immune system. So, if your little one has been spending too much time indoors glued to the TV or electronic devices, now is the time to make a change.
Encourage your child to engage in physical activities. Take children to the beach or the park where they can run around and enjoy outdoor activities. It doesn’t matter what they do, as long as kids get their bodies moving instead of living a sedentary life.
As parents, we all want to shield our kids from sickness as much as possible. Since we can’t always control the spread of germs, what we can do is to strengthen our kids’ immunity to help them fight off illness and infections. Help your child enjoy a better and healthier life by following these tips on how to boost your child’s immune system.
For more parenting tips and resources or if you’re looking for the best childcare center for your child, please visit Cornerstone Learning Center.