Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Tips for Staying Healthy During Cold/Flu Season


I am excited to be a part of the three part series program for Children’s Mucinex: "Chase Away Those Sick Blues with your Children". (see below for your chance to win a $100 CVS gift card!)

We have survived five and half exhausting-amazing-challenging-rewarding years with quadruplet kiddos and certainly understand a thing or two about passing around colds & flu.

Here are some tips of what WE do to stay healthy in the Steece household:

Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands. (My kids hear me say this about a billion times a day!) Most cold and flu viruses are spread through direct contact. Gently wash your hands with soap for 15-20 seconds~ (teach kids to sing the “Happy Birthday Song” while washing). If you don’t have immediate access to a sink, use hand sanitizer as much as humanly possible (especially at work, the store, the gym, etc).


Sleep. Your body needs sleep to repair & rebuild cells (strengthening your immune system). When you are tired, your body doesn’t fight as hard against illness.


Exercise. Working out regularly strengthens your immune system to fight against germs. (Nothing crazy excessive, just 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week… like a nice, friendly bike ride)


Eat healthy & Stay hydrated. Eat plenty of fresh fruits & veggies; drink plenty of fluids (help support that immune system, y’all!)


Avoid sick peeps. Don’t worry, no one is going to get upset if you politely refrain from hanging out with sick, coughing/sneezing friends, family, people at work, etc. PLEASE stay home from work if you are sick, friends! PLEASE do NOT take sick kids to school to infect other people!


Disinfect. Clean items that can easily pick up germs: toys, phones, computers, sinks, purses, door handles, etc.

Cough and sneeze the CORRECT way. When you cough or sneeze, do it into the crook of your elbow, not into your hands! I must say, we have taught our kids well with this one.

The cold & flu season has been absolutely NUTS this year, right?!! And like all of you, we have been taking every precaution to try to stay healthy. There are plenty of times that even our best efforts won't prevent an illness from spreading through our household.


We have been using Mucinex to relieve all of our adult cold/flu symptoms since our family doctor recommended it years ago. I was SO excited when our children were finally old enough to take various Mucinex products as well. I hated watching them suffer through colds without being able to give them quality medication for their symptoms.

Our favorite product so far has been the Mucinex Congestion and Cough (for children ages 4-12).


Friends, I never accept a review product that I don’t believe in 100%. So believe me when I tell you that we keep Mucinex in our medicine cabinet at all times!

I’d like to share the love with you, so click on this link for a $2 off coupon.

When your child has a bad cold, you both can feel miserable. Children's Mucinex is the #1 children's brand for relieving congestion* and provides fast acting relief from your child's worst cold symptoms. Try Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold if your child needs relief from stuffy nose and chest congestion. Always use Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold as directed. (*Based on IRI unit share data for the 52 weeks ending November 2012)

Stay tuned for my next Mucinex post on how I keep these crazy quaddie kiddos smiling and entertained, even when they have the sick day blues… What activity makes your child smile when under the weather? (Answer this question in the comments section below for your chance to win a $100 CVS gift card!)

No duplicate comments.
You may receive 1 total entry by leaving a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 2/6/2013 – 3/31/2013.

Be sure to visit the Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

180 comments:

A said...

My 14 month old loves to snuggle and watch some Baby Einstein when feeling under the weather. Thanks for the chance to win!

Unknown said...

Nothing improves the sick day blues like a snuggle from mom....and koolaid :)

Dedra Rainey said...

My kids like to watch tv since they don't watch very much. They also like to play with their Trio blocks!

Mami2jcn said...

My daughter likes watching Nick Jr. when she’s under the weather.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Nicole said...

I don't have kiddos, but my mom makes me homemade chicken n dumplings when I am feeling bad and that always helps!

Laura said...

My girls love to snuggle in my bed and read storybooks together when they're not feeling well. It's a great way for all of us to get a little extra rest (especially since the germs will likely get passed around) and if the kiddos fall asleep, even better. We love to read and I try to grab every opportunity to make memories. :)

Janet said...

Popsicles are always a huge hit in my house!

Carrie said...

Drinking gatorade does the trick with my 3 year old, especially if he can drink it right out of the bottle.

Lindsay said...

My 4 year old loves to watch a movie in Mommy & Daddy's bed when he's sick. And if he feels like eating, eating off the tray IN bed is a super sweet bonus!

Kim Malone said...

My kids love watching movies and just having downtime when they are feeling bad.

Val @ It's Always Sunny in Somerville said...

We love to sing! (Or listen to Mommy sing)

Unknown said...

Disney Movie Marathon!

SMccracken said...

Watching movies tucked under blankets in an old fashioned sheet/dining room chairs fort. :)

Unknown said...

My kids, especially my two-year-old, like to take super long baths with peppermint oil when they are feeling under the weather.

Heather said...

My boys get very excited when their dad gets home from work!!! Always puts a smile on their face

Missi said...

Laying around watching tv. That always makes my two kids smile when sick.

Unknown said...

Snuggling on the couch with a favorite blanket usually does it!

Gina aka Slappy said...

I have teenagers, so they listen to music, text their friends, watch movies, or play video games when they are stuck in bed. It's not necessarily a bad thing when they are too sick to talk back. ;)

Sarah P said...

Netflix!!
saw99a at yahoo dot com

Sarah P said...

Netflix!!!
saw99a at yahoo dot com

Danielle @ When Owen Speaks, We Listen said...

My kiddos like to make a blanket fort and sleep underneath it like a tent. It brings a little bit of joy into an otherwise crummy day. :)

kellyr78 said...

When my kids are sick I usually give them a new coloring book, so we can color together or play Tic Tac Toe.
These activities always make them smile.
kellywcuATyahooDOTcom

Becky Milstead said...

I go pick up movies from the library and then they get to watch the movies in our bed. Depending on how sick they are, sometimes they get to spend the night in our room too.

Ashley said...

We love watching movies and coloring!

Lisa said...

Hudson loves to drink a little sweet tea when he's sick. He says that it makes his throat happy.

sl said...

fingerpainting with pudding or cool whip1 We do it on a jellyroll pan or cookie sheet with sides to contain the mess. they love it and it makes them smile!!

Anonymous said...

I have 5, ranging from 13 yrs to 4 yrs, so it's different depending on who's sick. My oldest will just lay in bed & read; while the younger 4 like to snuggle up on the couch with favorite stuffed animal & blanket & watch movies with Mom

Heather (mac_heather @ att.net)

Triple Threat said...

Stay healthy!!

sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) said...

My children love snuggling while watching television when they are feeling under the weather. Secretly, I enjoy the extra snuggles! sonyadmorris@gmail.com

Katherine said...

When our kids are sick, they like to snuggle up with us and watch movies and play games. When our oldest had the stomach bug earlier this year, we put a small tv in his room and it cheered him up considerably.

Carrie said...

My 3-year-old likes to cuddle up on the couch with all his stuff (3 monkies, 1 gorilla, pillow, froggy pillow and two special blankets) with a cup of (warm) tea and have me read to him. :)

ASHENFELTERS said...

Special snacks and drinks while on the couch, their favorite movie, or board game and snuggles.
ashenfelters@hotmai.com

Danette said...

play games on the couch or watch movies!!

Danette said...

redbox movies!!

Bridget said...

A big treat for my 4 year old when he is sick is cuddling in our bed with the heated blanket on and watching tv.

bstuart1983 at gmail dot com

Danielle said...

For us it's special movie time since our kids don't have a tv! When they're down & out, the promise of a movie usually cheers them up!

Brittany said...

Reid likes to watch Clifford & eat Popsicles.

TheHills said...

My babies are only 4 months, but we love to lay on the couch with a warm blanket and something warm to drink!

Youngs365 said...

my 2 year old loves to watch movies, we introduced him to the Lone Ranger this nonstop last week. we also started reading chapter books to him, Ralph S Mouse is our current book we are working through.

Lrlanter said...

My boys like to hang out in Mom & Dad's bed and watch tv with their favorite stuffed animals.

Kelley said...

My child loves to have cuddle time with Mom and Dad. A story or two always make him feel better!

Emily said...

Ah - just went through a bottle of this last week. My little guy is 5.5 yrs old and it was our first time using children's cold medicine...this stuff is FANTASTIC! He's over his cough and cold and back to being all boy!

Michelle said...

Getting to sleep in mommy and daddy's bed...nothing better!

Juie Paris said...

We like to take nice hot baths and then snuggle in jammies to watch movies.

Crystal Cudaback said...

7up,pillow blanket and a couch and snuggles :)

Sandy Meiner said...

Snuggling on the couch and watching movies with Mama

Erica Jenkins said...

Snuggles and a good book!

April B said...

Our daughter loves to snuggle with Mom and Dad when she is sick.

Lisa said...

Our daughters always feel better if they get to lay in mommy's bed and watch TV!

Maureen C said...

movies and ipads!

Kim said...

Angry birds and Gatorade!

Amanda Friskopp said...

Chicken noodle soup and ginger ale, with a straw!

Anonymous said...

A special, comforting place set up just for the sick kiddo. Lots of blankets & pillows- maybe a "pallet" in front of the TV. Mainly just lots of extra attention and plenty of fluids, too!

Erin said...

Nothing tougher than being a very sick Momma at home with a sick kiddo. Just lots of sleep and cuddles.

Anonymous said...

thanks for the adorable and informative post and the coupon!! My kids aren't yet the age to to take Children's Mucinex but good to know in a few years there is a product that seems to help! For now, lots of fluids and sleep works in our house! Of course hugs too! Thank you and Children's Mucinex for a wonderful post!

Amber said...

Good info Suz! One of ours is a bit under the weather right now and all my funny faces still make her laugh and smile.

Unknown said...

Cuddling in bed watching Nick Jr!

H. Holland said...

Lots of snuggle time in mom's bed with all of my son's favorite books!

Helmer Family said...

We make 'sick beds' for my kiddos (made with lots of soft blankies and pillows). The like to play with their felt boards when they are sick. I made them each a bunch of felt cut-outs (people with clothes, hair, etc. and food items) that they love to play with when they are laying low!

Unknown said...

Lots of snuggles in my bed wrapped in a blanket together :)
and of course books and favorite toys in bed too

www.lilmsadventures.blogspot.com

Amy said...

Cuddling on our favorite recliner watching any of our cartoon favorites. But I have to watch...no sneaking Words with Friends on the side.

Sarah - The Home Cook said...

Being able to watch her favorite shows on TV.

rachel said...

Cuddling with daddy on the couch always helps

The Binstock's said...

My twin girls (6 years old) just spent this past week home from school...sick. :(

Adyson loved washed clothes (wet) on her -- Ashlyn loved be able to lay in bed and play DSi or her Leapster.

One Frugal Girl said...

Lots of lots of hugs and cuddles.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

Elena said...

Watching Sponge Bob cartoons

elena150980@yahoo.com

Jenny K. said...

Reading books on the sofa always helps our little sickles feel better!

Wehaf said...

Resting and watching The Princess Bride is always good.

urchiken at gmail dot com

Lish said...

My little girl loves snuggling up on the couch and watching a cartoon (always dinosaur train:).

Jill Labbee said...

my kiddos love to watch their favorite shows while snuggling when they don't feel good.

jilllabbee@gmail.com

Chrissey Bruggeman said...

I had no idea Mucinex had stuff for kids...I'm super excited. Thanks for sharing!

Elizabeth said...

Snuggles and movies!

Judy B. said...

The antics of our puppy.

susan1215 said...

My kids like laying in our bed watching a movie or cartoons when they aren't feeling well

s2s2 at comcast dot net

Amanda Pilkinton said...

My kiddos love to snuggle up on the couch and color!

Shannon said...

My kids (now 22, and 19 yr old twins) always asked me to make my home made chicken noodle soup when they were sick, they think it helps them feel better, they also loved laying around in pjs watching tv, snuggled up on the couch with our dogs. Even though they are young adults now, I still still ask for the soup and to cuddle :)

Courtney B said...

we watch bubble guppies or fresh beat band in bed!

vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com

Holly said...

Favorite cartoons and snuggling on the couch.

JC said...

A fun movie or cartoon with snacks work the wonder when under the weather.

~Shelly~ said...

Watching Full House :)

Our Journey said...

lots and lots of momma time!

Misty & Cecil Ray Cossey said...

Nothing like a good ole game of memory! That's what my girls like!

Michelle said...

When my littles are sick we like to read books, do an art activity and maybe download a new fun app for the iPad.

Happy Campers said...

Watching a movie with Mom while snuggled on the couch helps my kiddo!

latanya t said...

My son likes watching Spongebob or the Fresh Beat Band to cheer him up.

Dlatany at gmail dot com

Anne Lynn said...

My daughter loves to get out all of her messiest art supplies when she is sick and can't play outside.

MCantu1019 said...

watching bugs bunny usually does the trick
MCantu1019 at aol dot com

Jen said...

We usually stock up on stickers and construction paper. Our kiddos love to cut and make crafts. This is a great way to help keep them occupied when they are feeling yucky!

cw said...

On sick days my daughter will smile when I turn on the cartoon and snuggle with her.

Ashley H said...

Watching TV in bed or playing their 3DS. My oldest son likes to read on the iPad as well :) THANKS!
ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

My child likes eating noodle soup and watching a Harry Potter movie when she's sick.
madelinebrubaker {at} gmail (dot) com

Janice said...

Snuggling and watching Dora the Explorer
tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com

erika said...

Lots of snuggles! :)

chambanachik at gmail dot com

Coupongirl4u said...

As you know more than me I'm sure :) anytime one of my twins gets mommy's lap all to herself, it's the greatest time of their life! So when they're sick, they get mommy's undivided attention (and lap) which is their favorite thing and makes them feel all that much better too :)
lakelvr(at)earthlink(dot)net

Jennifer said...

Like everyone else has said... My kiddos love to be snuggled, especially if they can get time in mommy & daddy's bed and have extra tv time! jennimoltz@yahoo.com

Ruth Williams said...

Bone Broth Chicken Soup from scratch makes everything better in this house!

Anonymous said...

My twins love to lay on the couch with their favorite stuffed animal and watch Disney movies all day long, going in and out of sleep. Of course, mommy has to sit right next to them. pearl_lee1 at hotmail dot com

Tamar said...

My son loves vegging in front of Disney Jr.

Martha Klopp said...

movie night! (lately tinker bell!)

Allison Downes said...

Snuggling up together and watching some movies or tv

Thanks for the chance to win!

lola_violets_2010[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Watching movies and playing with Legos.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

my kids like watching tv in bed and resting when sick
stigay at comcast.net

Anonymous said...

he's only 3 months but he loves to fly "airplane"! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

Mom Knows Best said...

watching tv and drinking soda pop

Tammigirl said...

The only thing my kids want to do when they are sick is lie around and watch videos.

Unknown said...

my children love to watch home videos when they are sick

Tina said...

playing video game with daddy
merleandtina@Yahoo.com

Melissa Jackson said...

No kiddos, but when I was a kid, I always loved being able to get in Mom and Dad's bed.

Kelly Massman said...

Reading books with me (or listening to me read)! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

Betty Roberts said...

matching cards game angelgenius27(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

My daughter and I sit down and drink a little hot honey tea. It's wonderful for a sore throat.

Mysharona said...

Watching movies makes them feel better.

HilLesha O'Nan said...

My son loves playing with his LEGOs.

HilLesha@gmail.com

peg42 said...

My kids like to play games, read or watch movies.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

PAIGE said...

My daughter wants to watch The Parent Trap over and over in her room when she feels crummy.
elysesw@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Watching funny movies and
chicken noodle soup
Cathy Truman
kbtruman(at)att(dot)net

Stephanie said...

playing with his ipod
tvollowitz at aol dot com

jlafount said...

Working on coloring/puzzle books

sohamolina said...

Reading a book keeps her happy.

Unknown said...

I don't have kids, but watching Disney movies has always cheered me up when I've been sick.

Unknown said...

My son loves to cuddle with me and his favorite blanket while watching his favorite movies when he is feeling under the weather.

Thanks for the chance to win!

wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

kim h said...

watching movies

clc408 said...

My kids used to make a "tent" in the living room to play games in.

Jessica To said...

My son likes to play cards with me when he doesn't feel well.
reklaw422 at hotmail dot com

Sara Wood said...

my son likes to take a bath or have me read to him.

sarajwood21(at)gmail.com

sweepmom said...

Watching funny videos makes my son smile when he isn't feeling well.

steve weber said...

we color!

Unknown said...

She loves to finger paint

Princess Golden Hair said...

My little one loves when I read him a book & even when he's under the weather it still brings him lots of joy

teechbiz at gmail dot com

Barbara Montag said...

Eating my homemade chicken noodle soup and watching kid's movies on Netflix - cuddling included!
Thank you.

barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Getting comfy and snuggling on the couch while watching their favorite tv shows :)

Vesta Mason said...

My grandson wants to snuggle and watch Dumbo and Sesame Street when he is sick.
Thanks for this giveaway!

sy said...

My little cousins loves to make storybooks when she's under the weather, it's the only time she can sit still.
songyueyu at gmail

llinda29 said...

He likes chicken noodle soup

Gina said...

My toddler only wants snuggles, watching Caillou & popsicles.

Unknown said...

watching movies
Thanks! Janna JOhnson jannajanna@hotmail.com janna@feedyourpig on gfc

Unknown said...

watching a funny movie, laughing always makes her feel better

Unknown said...

We usually put in movies since they normally don’t get to watch them. Leaving TV and movies for special times only makes it so they really enjoy watching it when the opportunity comes along.

Betty C said...

Lots of cuddling and home made chicken soup.

willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

My boys usually like lots of cold drinks, watching tv and dvds and maybe playing with legos.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

ky2here said...

Blowing bubbles indoors.

hallie pee said...

I like to lay with my daughter and watch movies!

Amy said...

going out for a short walk to get some fresh air always put a smile on my kids faces when they are under the weather.

amy [at] utry [dot] it

esldiane@gmail.com said...

They love to snuggle up with a pile of their fave story books.
diane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com

Harmony said...

Watching movies and playing with dads tablet. Keeps them happy and resting


njharmonyg at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

Pudding! Making homemade chocolate pudding and eating it while it is still warm is so fun!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

samdaleo said...

When my daughter is sick she LOVES when I bring out the sketch pad and the colored pencils...something about that down time and her guard being down always brings out the creativity in her.

Thanks!
Samantha
jamesmadison1974@gmail.com

Daniel M said...

they like watching their favorite movies - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

sparkedcat said...

If they are not to sick then we prepare and cook chicken soup together.

SharonAnne said...

When my kids have been under the weather, an afghan and a poached egg on toast is usually on the request list. I also keep word search puzzle books on hand for those days, as well.Vick's Vapo-Rub on the chest (covered with flannel) always makes them feel better, too. My Mom used to use these same "feel better" routines, so I remember how comforting they can be. Thanks! sharonanne56 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Kenny Fensom said...

cupcakes

slehan said...

No kids. I sleep as much as possible, drink lots of water and hot herbal tea and use essential oils.

Thanks for the contest.

slehan at juno dot com

Candice said...

We make a bed on the floor with lots of blankets and pillows and watch movies or play games. Just spending the day together resting seems to help everyone feel better
Thanks!
candicesweeps at yahoo dot com

Erica best said...

when my nephew he love to eat jello and watch cartoons

Erica best said...

https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/318101691067158528

Kathy P said...

my daughters liked to make beaded necklaces

Kim (Randominities) said...

The only activity that makes her smile when my girl is under the weather is watching wizard of oz

asketcher2 at hotmail.com

Angel Jacklyn said...

RUNNING TO THEIR EVERY BECK & CALL... THEY FIND THAT PRETTY AMUSING... =)

kytah00@yahoo.com

Charity/CC said...

My son loves to create animals out of popcorn. Also, he loves to read his favorite book.

ccboobooy at gmail dot com

brendaelsner said...

My kids love to just snuggle up with me and watch movies.

brat52101 at yahoo dot com

laurasloves said...

When she is not feeling well, my daughter loves it when I lie in bed next to her and we color together.
lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

A warm bath & Hot Chicken Noodle Soup. kari_944(at)yahoo(dot)com

BusyWorkingMama said...

My daughter likes art projects.
aleksnearing gmail com

Kathryn C said...

catching up on cartoons or a family movie on DVD

Kathryn C
kacor7 (AT) hotmail (DOT) com

Wendy Rozema said...

coloring books/sticker books & watching TV in bed!
wendywynsma@gmail.com

Ellie Wright said...

Snuggling up under his favorite blanket and watching a movie or coloring together makes my little guy happy when he's sick.

Carolyn Daley said...

Watching movies while relaxing on the couch with some Gatorade and soup.

darkmysticnight(at)hotmail(dot)com

pauline15 said...

For my son, he just wants to cuddle with me on the couch while watching his favorite cartoon!
pauline15_01(at)Hotmail(dot)com

cassandra marquez said...

Lots of board games and coloring books!
cmarquez482@outlook.com

daveshir2005 said...

Watching a movie

daveshir2005@yahoo.com

cman said...

Plastic canvas crafts.

Nicole Larsen said...

Cuddling, watching movies and having ice cream :)

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Nicole Larsen said...

Cuddling, watching movies and having ice cream :)

pittsy82@hotmail.com

maryjaco1 said...

Watching children's tv in my big bed

Katharina said...

We like reading and writing/
illustrating our own stories.
Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

/\Heather/\ said...

A little drawing, a little DVD action and a little chat time on skype.

IcyPinkLemonade said...

Loves watching Doc McStuffins.

Anonymous said...

watching movies and peanut butter and marshmallows sandwiches.

pokergrl8 at gmail.com

Anash said...

my kids love to watch videos when they are under the weather! Thanks for a super giveaway!
My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Unknown said...

ice cream and disney movies

rounder9834 @yahoo.com

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