These simple healthy habits add up over time and can greatly impact your child’s quality of life.

Cough, cough, cough… oh, that feeling when you hear this all too familiar sound coming from your kid’s room in the middle of the night. Your heart drops. Instantly, you’re thinking, “Oh no, not again. We can’t get sick right now.”

Oh man, have I been there! I can’t tell you how often one of my five boys would come down with a horrible cold or even the flu. Especially before the holidays or a big family vacation.

Worst. Timing. Ever.

But is there ever really a good time to get sick? That’s why today we’re talking about healthy habits for our kiddos (and even ourselves) so we can avoid all the seasonal nasties.

The hard part about having sick kiddos is the constant cycle throughout your home. One kid gets sick, and as soon as they start coming out of the woods, another family member is down, then another. Depending on how big your family is (we’re a family of seven), it can feel ENDLESS.

Especially if you end up sick yourself, as you’re trying to be the caregiver to everyone else in your house.

I dreaded the winter season because of all the nasties my kids would bring home from school. I filled my pantry with all the cold & flu essentials: cough drops, Robitussin, Nyquil, Dayquil, Vicks Vapor Rub — you name it. I had it all.

While it felt like it sorta helped with symptoms while we were all sick, it wasn’t addressing the root cause of WHY we were so sick all winter to begin with.

Looking at the Root Cause

Instead of treating all of our symptoms only to get sick again a few weeks down the road, I decided to take a step back and look at our situation a little deeper.

Why were we catching everything under the sun? Why was I spending more on doctor visits and medicines than on activities out with my family, you know… making actual memories together?

After digging into a few articles, I realized it all came down to our immune system.

A Healthy Immune System Is Key

I read article after article, and it was pretty obvious — our immune systems needed a complete overhaul. Like bigtime!

We weren't eating as well as we could have been, grabbing convenient meals that weren't necessarily loaded with the good stuff our bodies needed. All of those over-the-counter meds were hurting our guts, which in turn was hurting our immune system because they’re intricately connected. Learn more about that connection here.

This brings us to the lack of vitamins and antioxidants in our diets. Did you know that 92% of Americans are living with a vitamin deficiency? Most of them don’t even know it!

All of these little habits might not have seemed like a big deal at the time, but they added up. We found ourselves getting sick more often, and even when we weren't down with something, we just didn't feel our best. That's when it hit me: our immune systems needed a serious reboot.

So, we made some changes, and boy, what a difference it's made! Now, we've shifted gears. We're more conscious about what we put into our bodies. Protein, fresh fruits and veggies have become the main event on our plates, and we've discovered some amazing recipes that make healthy eating a joy rather than a chore. Check out my family's favorite recipes on my blog.

Plus, we've started taking supplements to ensure we get all those essential vitamins and antioxidants that we might miss in our day-to-day meals. This includes Elderberry Syrup and Vitamin C Chewable Tablets.

The shift wasn't just about what we ate, though. It was a lifestyle overhaul. We're more active as a family, taking walks after dinner or having impromptu dance parties in the living room. Stress management became a priority too — whether it's through meditation, yoga or simply taking time to relax and unwind, it's made a world of difference.

And you know what? Our immune systems have responded to these changes. The sniffles and sneezes are much less frequent visitors in our home now. It's amazing to see how these simple, healthy habits have completely turned things around for us.

I can't wait to share these seven healthy habits with you! Trust me, they've been game-changers for us, and I'm excited for you to experience the same joy of having healthy, happy kiddos and a thriving family.

Habit #1: Eating Healthier

We've revamped our meals to include more protein, fruits, vegetables and whole foods. I’ve also started using my organic elderberry syrup in some of my recipes to give them a health boost.

It's amazing how much better we all feel when nourishing our bodies with the good stuff. Plus, finding delicious and nutritious recipes has made this journey even more fun.

Habit #2: A Daily Dose of Elderberry Syrup

We've incorporated a dose of elderberry syrup into our daily routine, and wow! This has been a game-changer for us. This natural powerhouse is like a superhero for our immune systems. It's packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help us fight off those pesky bugs.

Grab your Organic Elderberry Syrup here.

Habit #3: Sleeping a Minimum of 8 Hours

When we skimp on sleep, our bodies miss out on crucial restoration time, leaving our immune system depleted and making it easier for illnesses to take hold. A solid 8 hours of sleep is a powerful defense against whatever bugs might come our way.

Habit #4: Taking Vitamin C Chewable Tablets

Did you know your body doesn’t make vitamin C on its own? This means you can only get it through what you eat from either food or supplements. To make sure we’re getting enough vitamin C, we munch on one of these tablets every single day.

Grab your trusted Vitamin C Chewable Tablets here.

Habit #5: Essential Oils

We've explored the world of essential oils, which are now part of our everyday life. These oils have become our secret weapon for staying healthy, from diffusing immune-boosting blends to using them topically.

Grab my favorite Essential Oil Rollers here.

Habit #6: Reducing Toxins in Personal Care Products

We've become more mindful of what we're putting on our bodies as well. Switching to toxin-free personal care products has made such a drastic impact on our health. No more candles, fabric softeners, scented body washes or lotions. Instead, we try our hardest to use EWG-verified products and go as natural as possible.

Because our body isn’t overloaded with these toxins anymore, it has the strength to keep us in tip-top shape.

Habit #7: Getting Outside

Fresh air does wonders! We make it a point to get outside every day, whether for a walk, bike ride or just some time in the backyard. Sunshine and nature have a way of rejuvenating us.

I know it’s really easy to want to stay curled up on the couch in the winter months when there’s a chill in the air, but even the cold air is good for you. Push yourself, and you will feel a difference.

Small Steps Add Up

Taking small steps forward might seem insignificant at first, but their compound impact is incredible. It's like dropping pebbles into a pond — the ripples might start small, but they spread far and wide.

By making gradual changes, like adding an extra serving of veggies to our meals or swapping out a single toxic product for a healthier alternative when it runs out, we slowly built a foundation of better habits.

When repeated consistently, these small actions create a ripple effect of positive change in our family's health and you start to see real change! No matter how tiny, each healthy choice contributes to a larger, more robust lifestyle shift. Over time, these choices build upon one another, resulting in a stronger immune system, increased energy levels and overall well-being.

It's the small, consistent efforts that truly add up to make a significant difference. Like building a sturdy house brick by brick, these small steps are the building blocks of a healthier and happier life for your family.

Ready to start taking small steps and making healthy habits part of your daily routine? Just click here and start exploring my natural products today.

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7 Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids: Small Steps Add Up