While they do catch the occasional virus that floats around, our kids rebound from it within a day or two, without medicine. 

So…why are our children so healthy now? 

I wish I could put my finger on the One Reason that would help other parents out.  But although I don't know what one thing worked, I'll give you a list of things that changed in our lives around 2000 , when our kids became Super Duper Healthy:

• We quit buying soft drinks at home (they still get one at a party or while eating out rarely)

• We increased our water intake by a huge amount. They can have only one glass of milk and one cup of juice each day.  For the rest of the day, water is their only choice.

• We switched to mostly natural, sometimes organic products.  We are not  rich, so we are not purists in this (okay, any) area.  We can't always justify the extra cost of organic apples or grass fed beef, but we do at least stay away from: hydrogenated oils, weird words on labels that we can't pronounce, high fructose corn syrup  and high-sugar foods.

• The kids get a lot of outdoor time for sunshine and fresh air and dirt.   Sunshine = Vitamin D  and  Dirt = Microbes to keep one's gut healthy. It's tough, but I do manage to lure the children away from the electronic magnets for several hours each week. They have free rein to get as dirty as they please.  That's what water hoses are made for, right?

• We took the kids out of the crowded classroom setting.  We started homeschooling in 2000.  Our kids still take classes with others, perform in a drama club, take dance lessons and go on field trips, so there is no lack of contact with other children, but they are no longer spending school days in a small indoor classroom with a couple of dozen other kids.

• We don't buy chemical cleaners.  It's amazing how clean a house can be with just plain water, really.  Or, water and a bit of soap or essential oils.  

• When they don't feel well, these things have cured our children above any medicine we used to pump into their little bodies:

                   water

                   rest

                   sunshine/fresh air

                   herbal salves or essential oils

                   tea

                   sympathy from mama

• We get a lot of rest.  We don't overschedule our days anymore.  We don't set the alarm clocks daily.  And if anyone feels sluggish or gets a tickle in the throat, that person is encouraged to rest.

Children's health is at the top of every mother's mind. I just shared my family's tips, but I know that our changes are not possible for everyone.&n bsp; It would be wonderful if we could learn from your family, too….