How To Prepare Your Kids for a Healthy and Happy School Year

An Interview with Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Niccole Edwins of Explore Health and Wellness Pediatrics

Our patients are always on the hunt for a pediatrician that will respect and support them in their holistic nutrition and lifestyle efforts, and we often refer them to Niccole Edwins, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Explore Health and Wellness Pediatrics.

We love that in addition to her wealth of knowledge and experience treating children, Niccole is well-versed in children’s homeopathic remedies and natural supplements and recommends them often for her patients. She strives to get to the root cause of health conditions in children.

As we head into back-to-school season, we sat down with Niccole to hear her advice for preparing kids’ immune systems for a healthy and happy school year. Enjoy this Q&A, and learn more about Explore Health and Wellness Pediatrics at https://www.goexplorehealth.com/pediatric-medicine

What are some ways to boost kids’ immune systems as they prepare to head back to school? 

I am a firm believer in good nutrition being the best medicine! Some of my favorite supplements are vitamin D3, vitamin C, zinc, probiotics, elderberry and an omega supplement. I recommended discussing what regimen would be best for you with your health care practitioner.

What are some ways to boost kids’ focus as they return to classroom learning? 

Get outside and play! Children need good sleep and for most children I recommended 10-12 hours of sleep at night. Ensure a well-balanced diet and keep  sugars and processed foods to a minimum. The cliche, but very valuable saying of “the most important meal of the day is breakfast” really to rings true.  Reducing and keeping electronic stimulation to a minimum helps greatly.

How can parents support kids’ mental and emotional health after the trying and disruptive pandemic years? 

The pandemic was a tough season for everyone! It’s been challenging for families to reestablish a new routine since then. Keeping open communication, focusing on the positive, socializing and getting back into a routine can all help promote mental and emotional health. Children thrive on consistency, so trying to maintain a “schedule” to some extent is beneficial for them. I know I seem repetitive, but nutrition, physical activity and sleep also affect mental and emotional health.  Finding something your child really enjoys doing and encouraging that for at least 30 minutes a day can reduce stress levels. I recommend for parents to closely monitor for changes in behaviors (emotional, physical, mental, etc.) and if changes are occurring, talk with your healthcare practitioner for further assistance.

What are some tips for boosting kids’ nutrition and supporting their growing brains and bodies? 

Children are very impressionable. Therefore, it’s crucial for parents to set the example by eating a well balanced diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and incorporating good fats (avocado, nut butters, oils, salmon, flax and chia seeds) can boost growth and development. Vitamin D3, probiotics, omegas and multivitamins are just a few I routinely discuss with families.

Do you have any tips for parents of picky eaters? 

Constant re-exposure to foods is key. Getting creative with the presentation of food from how it is served, what it is served on, how it is cooked, etc. helps. Have the child help you in the kitchen. Cooking with your child is fun and they will end up taste testing along the way. Food pickiness can stem from a power struggle, so offering choices allows the child to feel like they are in control, while you get them to eat what you’d like.  For example, you can ask “what bowl would you like to eat from, the red bowl or the blue bowl?” Try not to get frustrated or discouraged, but instead make food fun. If picky eating continues to be a struggle, I encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider to see if there may be a reason behind “picky” eater.