Keeping our children healthy and happy is the number one priority for me and my husband. And we are very blessed that our kids Jalvi (26), Jotsy (21), Jinni (16) and Judith (14) are healthy and strong 99% of the time—that's because we made sure that their immune system was strong and solid when they were young.

Need help boosting your child's immunity?

Our children's immune system will defend them from infections and diseases. So, as parents, it's our job to boost their immunity by understanding and responding to their immunity needs.

Proper diet

Children love to eat! But you have to ensure that they eat the right kind of food. The food pyramid suggests that a healthy diet must consist of plenty of carbohydrates (root crops, rice and other cereals, bread), a lot of fruits and vegetables, moderate animal foods, dried beans and nuts, and just enough fats, oils and sugar. Aside from a balanced diet, we also give them vitamin supplements for their daily vitamin requirements.

Ample sleep

During their younger years, my kids were promptly tucked to bed by my husband at 9:00pm. This gave them about 9 hours of rest before they got up for school. Sleep rejuvenates their bodies and ensures that all systems are running smoothly. With enough sleep, they are able to better focus in class.

Regular exercise

All our children love sports. Jalvi, Jotsy and Jinni were members of their schools’ table tennis varsity teams. Judith is a top player in her school’s football team. Aside from that, they spend hours enjoying basketball, running, hiking, and dancing. We really encourage them to engage in physical activities because regular exercise is linked with a stronger immunity system.

Vaccinations

As a doctor, I know very well the risks of having your kids unprotected from illnesses. So I made sure that my children strictly followed their vaccination schedule. That’s why my husband and I were always confident that our brood was protected during times when they were most vulnerable.

Proper hygiene

Children are exposed to a number of harmful germs and bacteria every day. So I always saw to it that my kids frequently washed their hands. We gave them handy alcohol-based sanitizers that they kept in their school bags. We also taught them the right way to sneeze or cough—onto the crook of their elbows or with their mouths covered with tissue paper. I also made sure that my hands were washed properly before preparing their baon.

Happy family life

And last but not least, we work hard in keeping our home a stress-free environment. My family loves to do things together, especially belting out songs and dancing to our hearts’ content. When we can afford to, we also travel together. And boy, do we love to eat! Remember, mom, stress can also weaken the immune system. So always do your best to fill your house with warmth and laughter.