Healthy Back-to-School Prep for Parents on the Treasure Coast

Healthy Back-to-School Prep for Parents on the Treasure Coast

Hey Treasure Coast Moms! Heading back to school is an exciting time, but let’s be real, there’s one thing most parents aren’t excited for… Back. To. School. GERMS.

Disclaimer: Before we dive in, just a quick note: Nothing in this post is intended as medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician before starting anything new with your child’s wellness routine. You know your kiddo best, and this is simply what’s worked for my family.

As a mom of one school-aged child and a toddler, you’d think we could keep the sniffles under control—but it feels like we’re catching germs fit for a whole football team! With young kids constantly touching things (and then their faces), back-to-school season often means a full-blown “welcome party” for every bug out there.

So how do I prep my kids’ immune systems and keep them healthy all year long? Here’s our go-to game plan:

1. Vitamins

We swear by Hiya Vitamins. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but the fun bottle and sticker pack make taking vitamins a reward system instead of a chore.

All kids are different with what they are comfortable with consuming so obviously a vitamin that will fit your child’s need is what’s best. We like Hiya but some other great brands are EllaOla which comes in powder form and is tasteless, MaryRuth which comes in liquid form, and Llama Naturals if you are looking for a gummy. 

2. Teaching Hygiene Habits

We do a lot of reinforcement around here; especially handwashing and how to cough or sneeze into the elbow, not on mom’s face (though it still happens!).

• Encourage 20 seconds of proper handwashing, especially before meals and after using the restroom. We sing a song to help pass the time!
• Keep hand sanitizer in backpacks for moments when soap and water aren’t handy.
• Practice “tissue or elbow” sneezing and coughing etiquette early and often.

3. Elderberry Syrup

My kids surprisingly love the taste of elderberry syrup, and it’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. We use it as a daily immune boost during high-germ seasons. Native Armor, a local business here on the Treasure Coast can be found at any of these locations and comes in different elderberry syrups. 

4. More Outdoor Time, Less Screen Time

We’re not anti-screens (trust me, the iPad TV gets its fair share of love), but I’ve noticed that more time outdoors helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and keep little bodies moving—especially important during the school year. Some of our favorite places to hang out are Pineapple park, Oxbow Center, and Pioneer Park. You can find plenty of outdoor recreation here.

5. Salt Therapy

This one’s fun and functional. Salt rooms offer respiratory benefits and immune support—and it’s a sensory-friendly experience my kiddos enjoy. You can do this as a preventative or if you notice your little one starting to get run down. We enjoy Southern Salt & Coffee Co. because we can enjoy delicious drinks and Sutton Milk Ice Cream after some therapy!

6. Saline Sprays

A quick spritz after school helps flush out the gunk. At first, my kids resisted, but it became a routine and now they barely flinch. The nose is a prime entry point for germs, so saline helps keep that area clear. I try to get saline sprays without fragrance as that can irritate your kiddos as well.

7. Stay Hydrated

Water bottles go to school every single day. With the Florida heat, hydration is non-negotiable! It’s one of the easiest ways to support their immune system.

Its tough to know how much my little one is actually drinking at school, which is why I try to make sure she drinks a lot before and after, but for those older kiddos send them with an extra bottle of water!

8. Taste the Rainbow

No I don’t mean Skittles! I’m not saying we skip sweet treats or Sunday pasta, but I do try to keep fruits and veggies a priority during the week. Homemade chicken soup is also a must in our house.

P.S- There is a soup store, just for soups, every heart-warming soup you could need- in Jensen Beach. It’s called Broth and it looks amazing! If you’ve tried it please drop a comment!  

Bonus: Here’s my homemade chicken noodle soup recipe — perfect for cold season comfort!

9. Consistent Bedtime Routine

A solid sleep schedule makes all the difference in school performance and immune health. Our kids are typically in bed between 7–8 PM and wake up around the same time daily. It took some effort, but sticking with a routine has been a game-changer. When we are off in the routine it shows!

I also have very rambunctious little ones and we use a magnesium foot rub to help with calming at bedtime and it helps with sleep as well.

10. Healing Baths

When I sense a cold creeping in, I pull out the detox bath combo:

• 1/2 cup bentonite clay
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1-2 cups Epsom salt

This mix helps pull out toxins and ease their little bodies into rest.

11. Essential Oils

We love essential oils for prevention and recovery.

• On Guard by DoTerra goes on the bottoms of their feet before school. It’s our daily shield.
• Breathe Stick with eucalyptus is our go-to for congestion.We also diffuse oils to purify the air and create a calming atmosphere at home.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection

At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to do our best. Some weeks we check all the boxes, others we’re lucky if everyone gets a good night’s sleep and some water. And that’s okay.

If you’re prepping for a healthy school year, don’t stress perfection. Pick a few habits that work for your family, make them fun, and be flexible when life throws curveballs (or colds) your way.

You’ve got this, mamas!