1. Rest
When our little ones get sick, it’s often because their bodies have been running on empty—missing out on the one essential ingredient for healing and resilience: rest. As parents, we know how busy and overwhelming life can be, and during stressful seasons, our whole family’s immune systems take a hit. It’s not just exposure to germs that makes us sick—it’s how strong (or depleted) our bodies are when we encounter them.
Right now, the very best thing you can do to help your child heal is to slow down. Their body is working hard to recover, and it needs all the energy it can get. This means plenty of extra sleep, but also quiet, low-stimulation time while awake. Try to keep screens, notifications, and distractions to a minimum—yes, it might feel a little boring, but that’s okay! Giving their body true rest will help them bounce back faster and feel stronger sooner. So snuggle up, read a book together, or simply let them doze—it’s exactly what they need. 💛
2. Replenish
More often than not, illness takes hold when our bodies aren’t getting the proper nourishment they need to stay strong. That’s why fueling up with the right nutrients is so important—not just for recovery, but to help prevent future sickness, too. Make it a priority to get plenty of clean water with electrolytes and minerals, quality protein, nourishing macronutrients, and loads of fresh fruits, veggies, and superfoods into your little one’s system (and yours too!).
In the early stages of illness, it’s normal for appetite to be low, and that’s okay. But as soon as hunger starts creeping back in, it’s a clear sign the body is ready to rebuild. That’s your cue to fill it up with the best fuel possible—real, whole foods that will help them regain strength and energy quickly. Even small sips of nutrient-dense smoothies or bone broth can make a big difference in the healing process!
3. Recharge
When illness strikes, it’s not just the immune system that takes a hit—the nervous system does too. Since the nervous system controls and coordinates immune function, giving it the support it needs can make all the difference in a faster, smoother recovery.
One of the best ways to recharge the nervous system is through gentle, neurologically-focused chiropractic adjustments—aim for at least one (or even two) per day while your little one is sick. Then, fill their body with immune-boosting goodness: Vitamin D, Vitamin C, zinc, and other key supplements, along with nourishing foods like bone broth, elderberry syrup, and raw local honey. Natural remedies like essential oils and homeopathics can also help restore balance and strength. Supporting both the nervous system and immune system together gives your child the best chance to heal fully and bounce back stronger than ever!
To get even more action steps and strategies to recharge and build your immune system back up, check out this PDF guide.
Putting It All Together
Getting sick is a part of regular life. Sometimes growing up our immune systems didn’t have great development due to stress or medications. We’re all going to have times where we get busy, don’t quite keep our guard up, and a virus or illness gets a hold of us for a short season. Having this 3R’s and “Kick the Sick” plan ready to roll out when we need it to get back to full health is a very normal and regular part of life!