For the most part, winter really is the most wonderful time of the year. Putting up the tree, singing carols as a family, decorating gingerbread houses and sipping hot cocoa by the fire are some of the traditions that make this time of year so special for me. As a parent the holiday season gets a little trickier though. Cold’s and flu’s love to pop in for unwelcome visits at the most inconvenient times.

5 Winter Wellness Tips for Parents

Wash Hands

This is my number one tip for avoiding the cold and flu this season! Wash, wash, wash. Kids have this weird tendency to want to touch everything… So you have to be extra vigilant with hand washing when it comes to your little people. When you are out and about make sure you have some hand sanitizer in your purse as well. Outings are prime time for picking up germs you didn’t already have at home, so take care to wash up when you get home.

Stock Up Sick Day Necessities

Stock up on all the essentials in case your kids do get sick. My dad, who also is a doctor of 20+ years, recommends that all parents have Pedialyte, kids Tylenol and a thermometer on hand at all times during the winter season. Violet was sick a few weeks ago and I found myself at Walmart near midnight picking up Pedialyte. I really wished I had already had it in my cupboard so I could avoid a midnight run! Now I always have it on hand just in case.

Stay Hydrated!

The winter months tend to be very dry. As a result you actually need to drink a little more water to maintain your regular level of hydration. When kids are dehydrated not only are they more prone to feel sick, they are also more likely to be cranky, less active and just generally not as well! I got my kids cute new water bottles at the beginning of the season. This is a fun way to remind them to drink water often.

Stay Warm 

It is important to stay warm! Too much exposure to the cold can make little people more prone to pick up a cold or other illness. Often kids won’t tell you when they are getting too cold, my kids would both play in the snow till their faces were blue if I let them. Be extra aware of when it is time to go inside, and make sure they are bundled up as much as they should be before going out.

Stay Active

While it is important to stay warm, it is also important to stay active! When the cold weather hits it is all too easy to just bunker up and stay indoors. An inactive lifestyle isn’t only bad for physical health, it is also not great for mental health! That goes for kids especially, since they aren’t always able to clue in to the fact that they need some extra physical activity in their day. Adults tend to know when they need to get out or exercise, whereas kids tend to just get cranky when they stay in too long. You can take your kids to a museum, an indoor playground at the mall, and you can also bundle up and get outside!

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Zoey’s Dress | Leggings | Winter Coat | Violet’s Dress (on sale) | Mary Janes | Zander’s Snowsuit | My Top | Cardigan | High Waisted Jeans