Q: My eight-year-old seems to be sick all the time. She’s had several ear infections and colds this school year. How can we help her stay healthy?
A: Frequent childhood illnesses are actually the immune system’s “workout”—it is the normal process of building long-term immunity. However, constant cycles of illness are exhausting for both the child and parents.
Beyond basics like hydration and sleep, you can support her system with specific antioxidants to combat oxidative stress:
- Vitamin D: 1,000 IU daily (the standard dose for an eight-year-old).
- Vitamin C: 1,000 mg daily (Emergen-C packets are low-sugar and palatable).
- Zinc: 10 mg daily, taken with food.
- Probiotics: A daily children’s formula to support gut health.
Q: My four-year-old is obsessed with his iPad. Despite rules, he begs for it constantly and has tantrums when told no. Help!
A: The key is structure and high-quality content. Ensure the device has parental controls and focuses on educational apps like PBS Kids.
To end the “begging” cycle, use a visual timer. Establish a fixed daily schedule so he knows exactly when screen time starts and ends. When the timer goes off, the iPad is put away immediately. Consistency is the only way to move past the tantrum phase; if you give in once, the begging will continue.
Q: Do my kids actually need vitamins, or is it just clever marketing?
A: As a Naturopathic Physician, I recommend targeted supplementation rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
- Multivitamins: These are most beneficial for picky eaters. If your child eats a wide variety of vegetables, you can likely skip the multi.
- Vitamin D: Most children are deficient without supplementation; I recommend this for almost everyone.
- Iron: This is crucial for growth. I recommend iron for pediatric patients once they turn one. For a kid-friendly option, try Renzo’s Iron Strong chewable tablets (9 mg). Always confirm specific dosing with your pediatrician.
Q: My baby has cradle cap, and we can’t get rid of it. I’m worried her hair will fall out. What can we do?
A: Cradle cap often has a fungal component that many “natural” baby shampoos aren’t strong enough to clear.
Surprisingly, traditional Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo is often the most effective. Lather it into the hair, let it sit for a few minutes to soften the scales, then use a fine-tooth baby comb to gently exfoliate the scalp. Repeating this several times a week usually resolves the issue within a month.
Q: My three-year-old wakes up crying and wants to sleep in our bed. How can we encourage independent sleep?
A: There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but the goal is to build your child’s confidence.
- The “Walk Back”: Accompany him back to his room and sit or lie with
him until he falls asleep. Celebrate in the morning when he wakes up in his own bed. - The “Floor Bed”: If he needs proximity to feel safe, place a small mattress on your bedroom floor. He can stay in the room without being in your bed, which maintains a boundary while providing comfort.
No matter the method, focus on rewarding small steps toward independence rather than punishing the nighttime wakeups.
This article appears in Bend Nest Spring 2026.
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