Going back to school is going to look very different for most of us this year. Whether your child will be returning to a classroom, learning exclusively from home, or a mix of both, it will be important to make sure they have plenty of support mentally, emotionally, and physically. Providing a natural, holistic system that includes healthy foods, supplements, and ways to relieve stress will be essential to keep your child healthy.
Protecting Your Child’s Immune System
Even under normal circumstances, kids pass germs and contract viruses, especially during fall and winter. With COVID-19 as part of the mix this year, it’s especially important to be diligent about making sure your child is practicing regular hand washing and that common surface areas are sanitized. It’s also vital that you help your child maintain a healthy immune system.
Foods to Support
Provide your child with plenty of foods that are known to support the immune system, such as citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, turmeric, and green tea. Avoid giving them foods that are processed and high in sugar. Studies have shown that these foods not only negatively affect the immune system, but are also linked to anxiety and depression. Encourage your child to choose fresh fruits, such as oranges and blueberries, to get their sweet fix!
Supplements To Strengthen
Because your child may not joyfully consume immune-supporting foods like broccoli (and if she/he does, then we applaud you!), it’s often necessary to add supplements to her/his diet to make sure they’re getting all the nutrition they need.
To help boost her immune system, try Kidz Super Dophilus. This blend of 10 probiotic strains provides immune support and aids with nutrient absorption. It also contains acidophilus, which could play a role in reducing the number and severity of respiratory infections in kids.
Kidz Zymes chewable berry tablets contain 10 strains of enzymes to help kids’ digestive systems break down food so that nutrients can be better absorbed; it also helps eliminate chemicals and preservatives from processed foods.
Stress Management
Stress can significantly compromise our immune systems. Many children experience stress when returning to school even under normal circumstances. This year, you may find that your child’s stress is more pronounced, or that a child who normally looks forward to school has trouble dealing with returning. If your child is learning from home, she/he might also feel depressed about not being able to see their friends.
Communication is Key
At the beginning of and throughout the school year, check in with your child regularly. Ask how they are feeling, and reassure her/him that their feelings are valid. It’s important to remember that no matter how your child reacts to the many changes going on, any and all reactions are normal; there is no “right” or “wrong” way to deal with stress. For help dealing with your child’s COVID-specific stress, such as feelings of isolation, anxiety over wearing masks and other forms of protective clothing,and bullying and stigmatization surrounding kids who have contracted COVID, read this helpful article from UNICEF.
Create a Calm Atmosphere
In additional to communicating regularly with your child about how they are feeling, you can create a calm, soothing environment, especially at times that can trigger stress, such as bedtime and study time. Using essential oils along with music can help relieve anxiety and improve mental focus. You can place an essential oil diffuser in your child’s room at night or in their study space, or mix a few drops of oil with lotion and apply it to the bottom of their feet or across their shoulders.
Trying diffusing a combination of:
6 drops of rosemary
4 drops of eucalyptus
6 drops of sweet orange
4 drops of lemon
Our Aromatherapy Spa Scenter Diffuser uses cold evaporation, so it’s safe to use around kids and pets. Simply apply the recommended number of drops of essential oils to its reusable aroma pad.
Mindful Kids You Tube channel has some great playlists for sleep, relaxation, and study. Let your child help you create a playlist that she can listen to whenever she’s feeling anxious.
Stay Active
Exercise is an excellent way to relieve stress and protect the immune system. Encourage your child to move their body in ways that are fun for them. Learn a dance together, go outside for a game of catch, run with the dog, or try out this fun video from Cosmic Kids Yoga, which teaches yoga poses inspired by popular movies such as “Trolls,” “Frozen,” “Star Wars,” and more!
Practice Self Care
Remember that it’s important to take care of yourself while you’re taking care of your child. You can use all of the methods in this blog to bolster your immune system and alleviate stress. Put on some relaxing music, take a bath with essential oils, and, hey, who says you can’t join along in some Frozen-inspired yoga? When you’re healthy and happy, you’ll be more equipped to take care of your child and deal with the unique challenges that we’re facing in our world today.
We’re always here to answer any questions you have about our products for kids and adults. Contact us today to learn more about our high-quality, all-natural vitamins, minerals, essential oils, and more!
