I love going back to school. I've always loved notebooks, pencils, and everything stationery-related. When I was little, I also loved wearing new shoes and the feeling of new beginnings that each school year brought.
Now that I'm a mother, I still really like this time of year, but it also terrifies me, as it's the time when the possibility of children getting sick repeatedly, or getting head lice, becomes very real.
I don't have a phobia of germs, really, but I value moments of health, so I take these measures to avoid unnecessary infections as much as I can.
- Washing your hands: Experts say it's the best way to prevent the spread of viruses. So, when we get home and before meals, we all wash our hands.
- Strong immune system: My children take reusable water bottles to school. I always add a teaspoon of FOS to them to nourish their gut flora. At home, we also eat probiotic foods—miso, sauerkraut, and pickled cucumbers.
- Tea Tree Oil: We haven't had any lice at home yet, and I hope it stays that way. When we were little, my mother washed our hair with a commercial preventative shampoo; I add a few drops of tea tree oil to the shampoo bottle. I also braid my daughter's hair for school.
- Rest: During the week, always go to bed early. The body needs rest to be strong and fight the viruses we face every day.
- Vitamins, Minerals: My children take a multivitamin and omega 3. In the winter months they also take a vitamin D supplement.