It might be a little cooler outside now that summer is over, but that shouldn’t mean fall is simply a time to hibernate away and fear that everyone will catch flus and colds.
A child’s healthy development relies on the freedom to play, learn, and grow all year round. A parent shouldn’t shy away from letting their kids simply be carefree and snotty-nosed youngsters. However, it is important you keep up good practices to prevent them from catching viruses as much as possible. Plus you don’t want them bringing a bug back home to the entire family.
Let’s take a look at 5 simple ways you can help your kids stay fit, healthy, and happy this fall.
Up Their Fruit and Veg Intake
When planning your weekly meals, make sure there’s a balanced mix of all the food groups they need, including carbs for energy, calcium for bone growth, and of course plenty of fruits and vegetables for boosting their immune system. If your kid is particularly fussy at mealtimes, try upping their vitamin and mineral intake with this list of the best vitamin tablets for kids. A balanced, nutrition-packed diet is the first line of defense against catching illnesses!
Teach Them Good Hygiene
We humans have understandably become better at maintaining good personal hygiene since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s important you teach your kids the same good habits too. The small things matter when avoiding bugs and germs, including teaching them how to wash their hands properly and encouraging them to wear their masks in overly busy public spaces.
Establish a Good Sleep Routine
Most parents will agree that bedtime is often the most stressful part of the day. However, we hate to break it to you, but getting plenty of sleep is a priority for all youngsters. A lack of sleep can affect a child’s health in a number of ways (including poor concentration, depression, weight gain, etc.), so always establish a consistent sleep routine from an early age.
Still Encourage Outside Play
Daily outside play shouldn’t be over just because temperatures have dropped. In fact, there are endless studies that show outside play can massively help boost a child’s immune system, even in cold weather! So always encourage your child to switch off their computers and head to a local park. Avoiding outside activities in the fall can actually make your kid more susceptible to germs and illnesses.
Don’t Forget About Mental Health Too
Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health, and the same goes for all children too. Be wary of the signs of depression and anxiety, and try to introduce self-help stress management techniques to their daily routine too. It’s safe to say that a lot of us have struggled mentally with isolation anxieties since the pandemic, so it’s even more important than ever to venture outside of the home to find the time to destress.
