*This post was sponsored by Align as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
As a mom to two young school aged kids, I am well versed in all sort of illnesses hitting a a moment’s notice here.
While I may never know when or why my two have been under the weather in the past, I have learned over time the ways to try to prevent these incidents. Thus, allowing my kids to be healthier overall throughout the year.
Here are a list of 7 ways that I have done to keep my kids healthier…
1. Help them get a good night’s sleep.
School-aged kids, specifically, these days are busy. Here it seems that my girls have something to do practically everyday even after 6+ hours of school. However, we still try our best to adhere to scheduled bedtime, as much as possible.
Why?
Because kids need sleep. Too little sleep could end up finding these same kids run down and ultimately seceptible to catching all sorts of illnesses. Therefore, sleep is a priority here to keep maintain a healthier lifestyle.
2. Have them keep active daily.
This may sound like I am contradicting #1 on my list. But I am talking about not just loafing around on their iPads after they come home and complete homework. This is where even a light after school activity or even some quick exercising can make a world of difference.
Why?
Because movement of any kind can help boost the circulation to in the body of cells that fight infections. Thus once again aiding in keeping them healthier on the whole.
3. Make sure they know how to wash and/or sanitize their hands.
This is really a no brainer, as little kids very often will touch something and then put their hands near the faces or mouths. Germs are very easily transmitted this way. However, washing hands with soap and water or using Purell can greatly reduce the amount germs spread. Therefore, helping to keep kids healthier overall, as well.
4. Sharing isn’t always caring with food or drinks!
As much as we teach our kids early on to share, there are some instances we need to make sure to teach them not to do so. These include drinking out for the same cup as someone else, using the same straw, brushing their teeth with someone else’s toothbrush or even eating food that another has taken a bite from. Because these actions will only help spread germs and illness, thus not allowing kids to stay healthier over a long period of time.
5. Provide a healthy diet.
Not going to lie this one has been an uphill battle with my youngest who I have shared in the past as my picky eater. However, I do try my best serve a healthy and balanced diet as much as possible in my home. I have also found fruits and veggies alike that both my kids will eat and make sure to serve them as much as I can for starters. Plus, I try new, kid friendly, but healthier alternatives, as much as possible. Still, I know this one can be a challenge as I have once again shared with my picky eater here with all.
6. Flu vaccines for one and all.
While I know this one isn’t always in agreement by all, I can only speak from my own experience that we do vaccinate both my girls for the flu usually in the early Fall here as flu season is from October to March give or take. While I know some strains aren’t always covered, this at least seems to give my girl a fighting chance for the ones that are. Also it seems to help to give them a slight added immunity boost, as well to keep them healthier still.
7. A Probiotic A Day…
My own kids also have had their fair share of digestive health related illnesses.
Why?
Because simply put no matter how hard we try to keep the above six in mind daily, sometimes we just fall a bit short.
Still why?
Because sadly daily life is just not that simple or easy. We may have a busy morning or a stressful day going from one event to the next.
One thing that has seemed to help with this having them take a probiotic, specifically Align Jr. Align Jr. is a daily probiotic supplement that can help balance kids’ digestive systems*.
But how?
Align Jr. aids and helps the healthy bacteria that provide a healthier benefit and are essential for many vital body functions in their digestive tract, including healthy digestion. This is actually a pretty easy and quick way to help, too.
Align, the #1 Doctor and Gastroenterologist-recommended probiotic brand‡ now comes in great-tasting chewables for kids age 6-12 years old. See Align Jr. comes in an easy to chew chewable. so easy to ingest for kids alike. Plus, it tastes pretty good (from that my kids have told me) being cherry flavored.
So overall, a win-win to quickly and easily keep kids healthier daily!
Now, you can get $5 off on Align Jr. with this online coupon.
There you have 7 ways to help keep your young kids healthy from my own mom experience to hopefully help you, too.
*Align partnered with bloggers, such as me, to get the word out about its great product benefits. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. Align believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Align’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.
ǂ Among gastroenterologists and doctors who recommended a brand of probiotic in an AlphaImpactRx 2016 Survey.
How do you keep your kids healthier overall?
Do you use Align Jr. for your kids?
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Seana Turner says
I felt like I was in a constant battle with my girls growing up to fight the colds. Once a cold arrived, it often turned into a sinus infection or bronchitis. Hand washing really is key, since kids touch their faces all day long. This option wasn’t around when my children were little… I hope it helps keep the sickness at bay!
Janine says
Seana, I am truly happy that this option is offered and so far seems to be a huge help here. Thanks for sharing a bit with me what worked for you and your girls, as well!! 🙂
Jen says
Fantastic! I did not know about these! I need to get some for my children. I’m excited. We have been so sick lately. it’s never ending….
Thanks so much for sharing this here 🙂
Janine says
Aw, so happy to share and seriously was also so happy to learn about these for my girls, as well!! 🙂
Meredith Spidel says
Such incredibly smart–and important!–tips, Janine! Also, simply can’t get over how adorable your two little cuties are! xo
Janine says
Aw thanks again so much Meredith for your kind words and shares, too!! 🙂
William Holland says
It’s hard to argue with this list, so I won’t. LOL Have a great Tuesday, Janine, and thank you for your friendship. Spring Training has begun, my friend, and I smell baseball.
Janine says
Thank you Bill and I know very excited about Spring and spring training, too! Happy Tuesday to you now, as well 😉
Barrie Bismark says
I’m thinking we need to start probiotics. We have had a heck of a winter this year. Great tips to keep kids healthy!
#happynowlinkup
Janine says
So sorry to hear that and hope you can use probiotics for your kids now, as well to help.
Tamara says
My kids love these! I swear by probiotics for myself, so of course I had to find a good solution for them too.
Janine says
Once again twins and couldn’t agree with you more, Tamara!! 🙂
Diane Roark says
Janine,
A doctor recently suggested that I start my special needs son on probiotics. I did some research and started taking them myself. The benefits seem to be endless.
Thanks for sharing,
Diane
Janine says
Again, truly glad to share and also very happy that you are using them for yourself, as well now as I agree the benefits are endless! 🙂
AnnMarie John says
Those are all really great tips. I remember when Madison was a baby, her pediatrician actually recommended a probiotic, since then we’ve been using them. There are so many health benefits to them.
Janine says
Couldn’t agree more AnnMarie and appreciate you weighing in and sharing, too!! 🙂
Tuned In Parents says
Practical, applicable parenting tips for sustainable health year-round. Had to pin it! Thanks for sharing, Janine.
Janine says
Thank you for your kind words and pinning, too!! 🙂
Leslie says
It’s so hard to keep kids healthy, and I never thought it would be such a struggle to get my kids to even wash their hands well. Thanks for the great tips!
Janine says
Happy to share once again and I know I never did realize just what a struggle having to get my kids to wash their own hands could and would be, too!
Peachy and her Mommy says
We all know that sleep is important for everone, but it’s even more important for kids. That’s when their brains make vital connections and really absorb the things they learned during the day. Growing brains need sleep! #happynowlinkup
Janine says
Agreed totally about kids and sleep. Couldn’t have said it better if I tried! 😉
Sheila Qualls says
Oh boy! Once it starts going around, it’s hard to get rid of. My kids aren’t little anymore, but we still face the same challenges. Sadly. LOL
Janine says
Omg and so true as it does seem to go round and round once it is in the house though! So totally agree, Sheila.
Christine Carter says
Ah Janine- such perfect timing to share these great tips for us all, my friend! I know this season has been BRUTAL for MANY! My family not excluded in that. I am taking probiotics myself, but never thought about it for my kids. Hmm… this sounds like something I really need to look into for them. THANK YOU!
Janine says
Happy to share, Chris and thank you also for sharing for me, as well!! 🙂
Aunt Gloria says
Good suggestions. I take a probiotic every day and have for years. It does help to keep things in balance. Good rest and good diet can help ward off lots of illnesses. So keep on doing what you’re doing and keep healthy! xxoo
Janine says
Thanks for sharing Aunt Gloria and glad probiotics have helped you, too!! xoxo 🙂
Nellie says
YES I totally agree with all of this!! Especially the exercise! It makes a world of difference and burns off the extra energy 🙂
Janine says
Totally agree with you and perfectly said, Nellie!! 😉
Dana says
I never go without my probiotic! Align is a good one. My daughter has some stomach issues, so I sent her to school with her own box too. Cool that they make them kid-friendly!
Janine says
Good to hear that you use Align, as well. And have a feeling I will still be pushing Align for my girls when they are older like your daughter, as well 😉
Mary says
Keeping your kids healthy has to be difficult especially when sending them to school. I love all of your tips. I remember growing up and watching all my school friends share drinks. My parents always advised us not too and even though it made me look like a weird teenager I listened to my parents, and I’m so happy I did. Cold Sores reeked havoc during my senior year and I was the only one that didn’t get it.
Janine says
I agree with your parents and not a fan of sharing drinks either. So, thank you for sharing that here with me and again completely agree with you on that, Mary! 😉
Kristi R Campbell says
Love these. Tucker had unexplained stomach issues for a while but probiotics were the key. It was hard to get him to take them, I’ll have to try these.
Janine says
Both my girls can be picky with taking chewables, but definitely liked these so from them I would say to definitely try with Tucker. 🙂
Bev says
We’ve had a rough winter as far as germs go. I just do my best to make sure Eve washes her hands, drinks plenty of water, gets outside, and stays active. Yesterday she had a fever but since it felt like spring we got outside for awhile and she even rode her bike! I’m hoping that helped move the germs along, we’ll see when she wakes up.
Janine says
Aw, hope Eve is feeling better today and have my fingers crossed for you 🙂
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
Hand washing is huge (and needs to be taught to young children)! It’s the most vital way to keep those germs away.
I’ve been meaning to look into probiotics for my kids. I take them myself, and know their importance (especially for a healthy gut).
Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Janine says
Happy to share and completely also agree about hand washing, too Jennifer!! xoxo 🙂
catherine gacad says
i take probiotics and can’t wait until franco is old enough to take them too. thank you for recommending. i will remember this one!
Janine says
So do I and agree with you completely about this!! 🙂