Growing With Them

Flu season is here, and if you’ve ever dealt with a household full of sniffles, fevers, and restless nights, you know how tough it can be. One kid gets sick, and before you know it, everyone—including you—is down for the count. While it’s impossible to avoid every germ out there, there are ways to boost your family’s defenses and keep sickness from taking over your home. Here’s how to navigate flu season while keeping your sanity intact.

Wash Hands Like It’s a Full-Time Job

We all tell our kids to wash their hands, but let’s be honest—are they really doing it long enough? A quick splash under the water doesn’t count. Encourage proper handwashing by making it fun: sing the ABCs or play a favorite song for at least 20 seconds. Keep hand sanitizer handy for when you’re out and about, but good old soap and water is always best.

Boost Immune Systems the Natural Way

A strong immune system is your best defense against the flu. That means making sure your family gets enough sleep (yes, even you!), eating nutritious foods, and staying active. Load up on vitamin-rich foods like oranges, spinach, and yogurt. And while it’s tempting to stay inside all winter, fresh air and movement can do wonders for everyone’s health.

The Flu Shot: To Get or Not to Get?

Doctors recommend flu vaccines for kids and adults every year, but the decision is personal for each family. If you’re unsure, talk to your pediatrician about the benefits and risks. Many schools and workplaces even offer flu shot clinics, making it easy to check this off your list.

Germ-Proof Your Home (As Much as Possible)

We can’t live in a bubble, but we can be proactive. Wipe down high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls regularly. Encourage kids to sneeze or cough into their elbows (instead of their hands) and to avoid sharing drinks, utensils, or anything that goes near their mouth.

Know When to Keep Them Home

It’s tough when work schedules don’t allow for sick days, but sending a sick child to school only spreads the germs further. If they have a fever, vomiting, or a cough that won’t quit, let them rest at home. Most schools recommend keeping kids home until they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.

Stock Up Before You Need It

The worst time to realize you’re out of fever medicine or tissues is when you need them right now. Prepare ahead by keeping a stash of essentials like ibuprofen, thermometers, electrolyte drinks, and easy-to-make meals. Bonus tip: have some favorite movies or books on hand to help sick days feel a little cozier.

Take Care of Yourself, Too

Parents tend to power through when they’re sick, but you can’t take care of your family if you’re completely run down. Rest when you can, drink plenty of fluids, and accept help if it’s offered. If that means letting the kids watch an extra episode of their favorite show so you can close your eyes for 20 minutes, so be it.

Stay Flexible and Give Yourself Grace

Despite your best efforts, someone will probably catch a bug this season—it happens. Instead of stressing, focus on comfort and recovery. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is snuggle up with a warm blanket, make some tea, and ride it out together.

Flu season is never fun, but with a little preparation and a lot of handwashing, you can get through it with fewer sick days and more peace of mind. What’s your go-to trick for keeping your family healthy? Share your tips in the comments!

And remember—just as we teach our kids, we’re learning and growing with them.