New School year, germs, and a better way to treat
Kids, sickness, and treatment. So, school is back in session and I already have two little people with colds here. It doesn’t help that our pollen rate is moderate to high right now either. That being said, I thought it would be great to share what we do as a family when sickness strikes the Pendleton household.
A couple of disclaimers here before we get started: I am not a doctor, yes I was a previous nurse before taking my business full time, but always talk to your doctor first. I will always be a mom first and that means with my background in health combined with 20 years of parenting, my way of treating sickness may not be the same as yours and that’s ok. Always use your parenting instinct.
The following links are affiliate meaning that if you buy something with the link I provided, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I use/have used every single one of the products I’m getting ready to share.
I am a nerd
I love to research anything and everything, I adore homeopathic remedies, and wholeheartedly believe that that way of life is essential to health. We have been given everything we need in nature, but also don’t discredit modern medicine. There have been so many advances and truly believe God gave the gift of healer to so many amazing physicians. I’ve seen it first hand.
I know you don't want to hear this
I know you don’t want to hear this, but it starts with food. Always has, always will. Out of 4 kids, I have 2 very picky eaters. Like can’t get a vegetable besides a carrot stick down. So even though I know it starts with a very healthy diet, I’m in the trenches with you mommas. I used to sneak in healthy foods, bribe, use consequences, and all the other tactics, I’ve figured out a way to make our lives easier.
I still offer them healthy options in front of them every time. No, the majority of the time they don’t eat them, but I still offer. I want to at least see the fresh produce, feel it, even lick it for all I care. Just don’t give up, because eventually they turn into teenagers who are so hungry all the time, they will eat just about anything you make.
Here are a couple of my favorite resources for kids and food: Weelicious, Dr. Organic Mommy, & Family Food Project.
The nitty gritty
1. First line of defense
Click on any of the images to take you directly to the product.
We’ve tried all kinds of multivitamins for kids, but this one just seems to be the one my kids like the best. I like that it’s only 1 chewable a day. A lot of your vitamins have them taking like 4 and that’s not gonna happen here.
Everything starts in the gut. Having the beneficial gut bacteria controls the immune system. Check out this article from Parents magazine.
When Young Living came out with roller ball applications I was so dang happy. The company took the next step in making it so much easier to use it. My kids roll this on their feet every night before bed.
I usually make my own Elderberry syrup with this recipe but if I’m on a time crunch, I like this one from Garden of Life.
This is another option for Elderberry. Mary Ruth’s products are probably one of the cleanest I have ever seen. Check out all her stuff.
2. when sickness hits
A detox bath is first up when they have gotten sick. Mix 1/2 cup with 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of kids safe essential oil (we use Lavender & Eucalyptus). You can read all about the benefits from Creative Healthy Family.
Child Life products can be pricey so I use it only when the kids get sick. Vitamin C has been shown to shorten the life of a cold and reduce the symptoms.
Beekeepers Bee Propolis Throat Spray only contains 3 ingredients, non-gmo, and is the highest quality I can find. No one likes a sore throat, especially kids.
I know we all freak out over fevers, but it really is our body’s way of fighting off germs. “Fever stimulates the body’s defenses, sending white blood cells and other “fighter” cells to fight and destroy the cause of the infection.” So before you reach for that Motrin, try an alternative to make them more comfortable. Source here: Stanford Children’s Health.
If the fever is just too much and your child is miserable, make sure you’re choosing a dye-free version. The dyes are unnecessary and have been linked to ADHD among some allergies as well. Check out this article from MNN. Also, make sure if you can’t get the fever down (and you’ve seen your physician, alternate between Tylenol & Motrin).
For the symptoms of the actual cold, we try the Boiron Coldcalm before reaching for anything else. It temporarily relieves symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and minor sore throat.
To clear those stuffy noses (especially at night), we grab some Honest Company chest rub. There is just something soothing about the smell too. Safe for all ages which I love so we can all use it.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to be constantly checking if the filter is clean. This Vicks Mini Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier is a saving grace. Note: I don’t use the vapor pads.
My kids hate when I make them use saline spray but it’s the best way to literally spray the germs out. I like Zarbee’s because it’s not only has aloe but sprays like a canister so I can do it once and be done.
for babies
I know, I know, it’s disgusting but just get it and thank me later.
3. Push those fluids
I never freak out if my kids aren’t eating while they’re sick because I know it’s just their body’s natural response. They are using so much energy fighting off those germs that it’s almost like their body knows that’s all they can handle at the moment. But fluids, I push those hard. Popsicles, diluted fruit juices, and lots and lots of water, especially if they have a fever. Plus, what kid doesn’t want a popsicle at 8 am?
Common Sense
Make sure you’re teaching your kids to wash their hands. Cold viruses can live on things like doorknobs, cups, etc for up to 2 hours. Yuck. Rest, rest, rest. Kids need sleep. Even more than we think we need sleep, so make sure they are getting enough rest. Prop that pillow up! I can remember even propping an entire crib up when Kailyn was sick as a baby.
when to head to the doc
First and foremost, we are granted this amazing capacity of mother’s intuition. LISTEN TO IT! I know instantly if one of my children has strep throat. I can smell it. I know, weird but I can. If something seems off to you, it most likely is. Still need some reassurance? Check out this article from Very Well Health. My oldest son had a fever for 10 days before they finally figured out what was going on. I kept going back…3 different times. Do you know what he had? Viral Meningitis. I listened to my gut and it was right.
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