How to be proactive:
- Discuss with your child about lunch bags. Make sure that perishable items are stored somewhere cold, and the child knows basic food safety rules and how to eat their lunch.
- Teach your child school bus safety.
- Talk to the kid about playground safety during recess.
- Make sure your child washes their hands before and after eating.
- Explain to the little one that rubbing their nose, mouth, or eyes involves health risks.
Minimize Allergy Risks
A new season means new allergy triggers. Autumn is the time when your child may (again) get a runny or itchy nose or watery eyes. Why?
- Cold weather favors new plants and weeds that release pollen into the air;
- Many Americans are allergic to ragweed. The plant produces pollen from August to November;
- Dust mites and mold can spread around the house if windows are kept closed.
How to be proactive:
- Open windows for one hour every morning.
- Check local pollen levels and, if there is a lot of pollen in your area, limit the time your kids spend outdoors.
- Remove any potential allergy triggers from the yard.
- Avoid hanging clothes outside to dry. Laundry attracts pollen, so you unintentionally take it indoors.
- Purchase a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels under control – 35% to 45%.
Teach Your Kids About Healthy Family Habits
Autumn brings the playground indoors. You should compensate for children’s need to play, as their time outdoors will be limited. Keep your children warm and healthy, by teaching them new skills and engaging them in family activities.
- Teach the little ones to knit sweaters, decorate the house, plant autumns flowers, or develop a healthy and useful hobby.
- Forget about distracted eating. Disconnect them from TV and technology whenever you spend time together.
- Call for a weekly family meal planning session. Let kids come with ideas, preferences, and decorations.
- Eat dinner together. Meal times makes an excellent occasion to discuss future plans that might turn into family traditions.
Eat Healthy Foods
Seasonal foods are nutrient-dense and come with a delightful and fresh taste. Make sure your child is eating some of the healthy foods listed below for a strong immune system.
- Apples come from old autumn harvest. One apple typically has around 90 calories and is loaded with vitamin C and fiber.
- Cranberries contain both fiber and vitamin C. They have a rich taste that children will enjoy.
- Bell peppers are available at almost every farmers’ market from August to October. You can also find peppers without capsaicin, the agent that makes them hot. A single bell pepper contains three times the RDI of vitamin C, and the full RDI of vitamin A.
- Brussels sprouts contain potassium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C. Also, they come in a bright and charming color.
- Pears contain as much vitamin C and fiber as apples do but have a sweeter and more delicate taste.
- Sweet potatoes contain vitamins A and B6. They are versatile to cook and are packed with beneficial potassium.
- Pumpkins are autumn’s stars, as kids can eat or decorate them. Packed with beta-carotene, pumpkins improve vision and support the proper functioning of nerves and muscles.
Check the Safety of Children’s Products
Take autumn as a time to refresh your information about child safety and health. Do an online research of your child’s toys, gadgets, clothes, and products. Check the news to see if there have been any recalls because of toxic paint, functioning failures, or other safety issues.
If you plan to purchase new toys, products, or clothes for your children, check the reviews and testimonials. Pay attention to how a product works after a while and what its risks are. Helpful online resources like Sweetmomsblog.com can help you find the hidden advantages and flaws of some products.
Expand Your Storage Space Options
Make sure you store the tools you no longer use as autumn comes, and find a new home for all of those summer clothes you won’t need again until May!
- Keep them away from children in an equipment storage space such as a garage or shed.
- Cover sharp tools and keep them out of reach.
- Don’t store gasoline next to inflammable objects. Moreover, don’t add gas to a leaf fire.
- Keep electrical tools far away from water.
Use the Autumn Health and Safety Tips for Yourself as Well
Caring for your children means taking care of yourself first. Stay safe and healthy this autumn by making the right food choices and exercising well, so that you can offer an excellent example to your kids. Use our tips to keep your child (and yourself) in top shape and enjoy the benefits of autumn!
