Hey there Reader,

I hope this email finds you well and cozy as we head into the chilly days of the season. It's that time of year when our little ones seem to be constantly battling the sniffles and sneezes — especially when you've got kids in daycare or preschool. 😷

If you've been following along on social media, you'll know my kids have been sick back to back over the last few weeks and it's just not fun.

But fret not, my friend! I've got some tips to help keep our kiddos healthy and free from illness this cold and flu season. Plus, one tip shared exclusively from my own son's pediatrician.

3 Ways to Keep Your Child Sick-Free This Fall

Boost Their Immune System with Nutrient-Rich Foods: It starts with the food. Making sure our kids get a balanced diet filled with vitamins and nutrients is key to keeping those pesky germs at bay, however, we're raising toddlers and we all know it's not the easiest thing to accomplish.
- Load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to incorporate foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, and broccoli. Also, don't forget about the benefits of honey and ginger – a spoonful of honey with a dash of ginger in warm water or tea can be soothing to help kick a cold (so long as your little one is over 1 year old)!
Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Kids have a knack for touching everything in sight, and then their faces and mouths! 🙈 Remind them to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently. Sing a fun hand-washing song to make it a less tedious task. And when they're on the go, hand sanitizer can be your best friend. Keep a small bottle in your diaper bag for those times when soap and water aren't readily available. And don't forget to follow up with lotion right after to make sure their skin doesn't get too dry.
Keep Them Hydrated: In the event they do come down with a cold or other illness, keeping them hydrated will be key to recovery, but not always the easiest. If your child is sick and not willing to eat or drink much, you can try these tricks, but monitor it closely, or else they may need to see their doctor sooner rather than later.

Remember, our kids are like literal sponges, picking up everything they encounter.

So, by setting a great example by practicing healthy habits, and maintaining a clean environment, we can help them stay as healthy as possible this season. 🌟

And for the tip from my son's pediatrician? She says, "unfortunately, fall brings a lot of germs as the weather cools and sometimes a sick kid is just inevitable. Keep doing your best, but ride the waves and take it easy if they get sick".

So, there you have it. If you're in the trenches of colds and flus already, I see you my friends, and I send you all my love. Let's support each other through this cold and flu season, k – we're in this together!

Big, warm hugs,