*The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them.  I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.  Thanks to Molina Health for sponsoring this discussion.*

 Soon enough, we will be adding another baby to our family.  October will be here soon enough, and I cannot wait!  Fall is possibly my favorite season anyways.  With football, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, it is so much fun.  But there is also the dreaded cold and flu season approaching after school starts for the year.  Having a new baby only makes me more cautious about keeping the kids healthy.  We do plenty to keep the kids from getting sick, and here are some of the simplest, yet most effective children’s health tips that we practice to stay healthy.  And the best part is that they can help with some of these.

• Serve plenty of fruits and vegetables, both at meal times and at snack time.  For our family, the easiest ways to get the kids do eat these foods is by letting them help pick them out.  We spent today picking green beans and snap peas from our garden.  They also love to go to the berry patch or farmer’s market, or even just help choose our foods at the grocery store.
• Teach proper hand washing.  When and how are both important.
• Encourage active play.  Dance, run, climb, jump or whatever other activity is your favorite.  Which is your favorite way to be active?
• Get outside.  The fresh air feels amazing, to your body and mind.  Plus it will help everybody to sleep better.
• Take vitamins {always check with your health care provider first}.
• Use essential oils to help boost your immune system and fight illness.  Talk to an aromatherapist for more information about these oils, and use a reputable brand.
• Give them the opportunity to get plenty of rest.  Having proper nap times and bedtimes will help their bodies prepare for sleeping.

As Doc McStuffins has taught Maggie:  Eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest, and wash your hands.  I don’t know about you, but I’m rather happy that those 3 things have stuck in my 3 year olds head to reminder her how to stay healthy.

What children’s health tips do you practice regularly to help your kids learn how to help keep their bodies healthy?