As working moms, we are especially worried when our kids get sick because we can't always be there for them. Of course, when it's serious, we will definitely take a leave from the office. But when they have the sniffles or a little cough or even just a slight fever, we always have to think: "Should I stay home?," "Maybe it's not bad enough and I can go to the office," and "If I go to work, will the yaya take care of my child well? Maybe I should just stay home." And then if we do go to work, we can't completely focus on work because we're worried about our child. So it's bad.
The key is to keep the kids as healthy as possible. Here are my ways to boost my boys' immunity so that they can resist the germs flying around in school:
1. I encourage a healthy lifestyle.
This is hard, mamas. When kids have enough sleep, eat fruit and veggies, drink a lot of milk and water, get lots of exercise, their bodies are stronger. But my little boys like to stay up late (they like talking to each other in the dark), they dislike fruits and vegetables, and water is "tasteless!" So what's a mother to do? Well, I nag away and insist they sleep early/eat just a few more bites of veggies/drink just a little more water, and they do it naman. Pahirapan lang. Hopefully, all my reminders will stick to them one day and they'll actually start living healthily without me going on and on about it.
2. I teach them to avoid potential contamination spots.
This is hard, mamas. When kids have enough sleep, eat fruit and veggies, drink a lot of milk and water, get lots of exercise, their bodies are stronger. But my little boys like to stay up late (they like talking to each other in the dark), they dislike fruits and vegetables, and water is "tasteless!" So what's a mother to do? Well, I nag away and insist they sleep early/eat just a few more bites of veggies/drink just a little more water, and they do it naman. Pahirapan lang. Hopefully, all my reminders will stick to them one day and they'll actually start living healthily without me going on and on about it.
2. I teach them to avoid potential contamination spots.
Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Cover your nose and mouth and turn away when someone is coughing and sneezing. Share food but don't share bites of the same sandwich or cookies. Don't touch anyone's nose and mouth.
3. I insist on clean hands.
The kids have alcohol in convenient spray bottles in their bags. But I know they don't use it as often as I would like so I ask them to always wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating their baon. Then when we get home from school, the first thing I make them do is wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
4. I make sure their vaccines are up to date.
4. I make sure their vaccines are up to date.
I can't stress enough how vital vaccines are in protecting our children from many diseases. Measles, flu, whooping cough, chicken pox, polio and so many diseases that can weaken, disfigure, disable, and even kill children are preventable with a simple vaccine shot. My sons' school requires up-to-date vaccinations, too, because they also believe—as scientists and the medical community do—that vaccines keep our children healthy and strong.
5. I give them Vitamin C and Zinc.
On top of their multivitamins, I also give my kids FERN-C kidz. This is a yummy supplement syrup that has both Vitamin C and Zinc. Vitamin C does NOT cure the cold or cough. What it does is it boosts our immunity, helps us absorb iron (which is good for our blood), and hastens healing of wounds. So as a mommy of super likot little boys, Vitamin C is a great idea! What about Zinc? Zinc is what boosts our body's immune system and helps us heal from the common cold and other infections faster. Vitamin C and Zinc have more important benefits but I'll just keep the list short.
There you go, mamas! My 5 steps to boosting my kids' immunity—a super important thing to do now that the new school year is here.
FERN-C kidz is available in leading drugstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and FERN kiosks nationwide for P62.75 for the 60ml bottle and P129.50 for the 120ml bottle. FERN-C kidz is from the makers of FERN-C and a quality product of FERN. To know more about FERN-C kidz, like their Facebook page.
*Please consult your pediatrician before giving your child vitamin supplements.
*This post is brought to you by FERN-C kidz.
