Back-to-school season is a mix of excitement, structure, and if we’re honest, germs. As parents, we all know the wave of sniffles, coughs, and stomach bugs that seem to follow closely behind the first few weeks of school. In our home, we try to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to wellness. Instead of dreading the germs, we focus on natural ways to prevent back-to-school illnesses with lifestyle rhythms that support the immune system and the whole child.
1. Whole Food Meals & Limiting Sugar
Food is fuel, and during the school year, we make an even greater effort to prioritize whole, nourishing meals that are low in sugar. Excess sugar can suppress the immune system, so we keep things simple: clean proteins, colorful fruits and veggies, healthy fats, and homemade snacks when we can.
A strong, nourished body has a much better chance at fighting off illness so nutrition is our first defense.
2. Resetting Bedtime Routines Early
We start easing into bedtime routines a few weeks before school begins. Sleep is one of the most underrated immune boosters! Getting our kids’ circadian rhythms in check before the chaos starts helps ensure they are well-rested and better equipped to handle new environments, schedules and yes, the germs.
We make bedtime calming and consistent: with limited screen time, early wind-downs and diffusing calming essential oils.
3. Multi Whole Food Vitamins
Alongside healthy meals, we include a multi whole food vitamin in our children’s daily routine. We want to supplement their diet with the nutrients they need to stay strong without synthetic additives. The body recognizes real, whole-food sources and that’s what we aim for.
4. We Don’t Overdo the Weekends
One of the natural ways to prevent back-to-school illnesses that may surprise you? Resting on the weekends. Especially those first few weeks back we avoid overpacking our calendar. Their minds and bodies are adjusting and overdoing it only leads to burnout and compromised immune function.
We choose intentional rest and slow weekends picking and choosing where we go and who we spend our time with.
When Illness Hits: Rest & Support
Even with all the prevention in the world, sometimes illness still sneaks in and that’s okay, because it happens. When it does, we shift into healing mode:
- Prioritize rest (school can wait!)
- Proper hydration with electrolytes: we love the ones from Just Ingredients
- Detox baths using baking soda, Epsom salts or the Rowe Casa Organics Detox Bath
- Chiropractor visits to support nervous system function while sick and we also make sure to go during the school year too!
- Targeted supplements like vitamin C, extra sunshine (if possible!) and Rowe Casa Organics Children’s Relief
We let their bodies do what they were designed to do, while giving them gentle, nourishing support along the way.
Looking Ahead
We don’t aim for perfection. We just aim to support our kids in the best way we can. Natural ways to prevent back-to-school illnesses aren’t just about products; they’re about rhythms, rest and resilience.
Stay tuned for my next post where I’ll share more specific natural supplements and remedies we use with our kids during cold and flu season.
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