Drink More Water Mom

I'm quick to take care of everyone but myself in most cases. As moms, you always put your children in front of your own needs (or let's just say most mothers do).

I recall back in November when I was really sick. I couldn't shake it off and lack of sleep was only making whatever I had worse. I was also surrounded by sick people, so my first instinct was to get the Lysol spray and hand sanitizer and try to play keep-away with it and Jase. Well of course he caught it. Too bad there aren't bubbles we can wrap ourselves in during sick season. I know a lot of people that would buy them! 

 
After Jase got better, my biggest worry was he would get it back from me. We're good at making viruses go full circle in this family (yup that includes extended family too!) I went to an urgent care off Windward Parkway on my lunch break and the doctor came in and told me that I looked awful. Thanks doc. 

He kept urging that I take better care of myself and asked why I didn't see a doctor sooner if I was sick (with fever on and off) for three weeks. My answer: I've got a sick child and his health comes before mine. He stopped dead in his tracks, looked at me and said that's the best answer he'd ever heard. 

The same holds true with what you feed your children too. Just because you might eat a double cheeseburger from McDonalds doesn't mean you would feed it to your child. So why not hold ourselves to the same standard of health? 

As a child under the age of three, Jase needs a lot of healthy nutrition for his brain development. 85% of a child's core brain structure will develop by the time he/she turns three. This means kids need to eat and drink proper foods, be active, and keep stress levels low.

I am an avid believer of only giving Jase water and milk. (At least for now) I gave him a splash of orange juice once when he was sick, but it's just an empty calorie that he doesn't need. Studies show that there is a link between early entry of unnecessary sweets and teen obesity.

One day, I handed him his sippy of water and said "drink some water bae". He took a small sip, then ran into the living room. I slowly followed behind him, but he's quick so he was back in the kitchen before I knew it. He looked up and handed me a bottle of water. He smiled from ear to ear and said "mommy, wawa". I chuckled and said "ok I do need to start drinking more water".
 

Water has so many health benefits that adults tend to ignore. Benefits include: clear, smoother, and brighter skin; getting rid of infamous "bloated days" by flushing out the excess fluid our bodies store; helping the body stay hydrated and feel full/satisfied thus minimizing unnecessary snacking; and boosting energy. If you insist that your children remain healthy, then make sure to treat your body the same way. We only get one!