6 ways to help kids enjoy themselves during allergy season

Every mom knows that hopeless feeling that comes when her child is sick with a cold and there seems to be little she can do about it. Often, it is a “waiting game” that requires patience beyond what most of us have. Offering soothing liquids, something to calm a runny nose and another tissue seems to be an endless job. Everyone in the family just wants their normal routine back and for everyone to be breathing easily again.

Can you imagine what it would be like if the stuffy nose, sneezing and itchy eyes lasted for a month or longer?

Children who have allergies are subject to these symptoms long term. Their moms and dads are left with the struggle of trying to help them be comfortable and free of symptoms. It’s not an easy time but with a consistent routine and some precautions, it can be manageable.

My son has had seasonal allergies his entire life. Spring and fall are his hardest times of the year. He sounds like he has a cold, with lots of sniffling and sneezing. His eyes will get red and swollen and he may have a dry cough, as well. He is so miserable when he has sneeze attacks so powerful they can cause me to think we are having an earthquake!

We’ve found a routine that works for him so he can enjoy his outdoor activities year round:

1. When we notice his symptoms are consistent and bothersome, we start him on a nighttime allergy medication that is long lasting. This helps reduce evidence of the allergies (This is important since people freak out if they think your kid is sick and you sent them to school. Somehow, no one believes allergies are a real thing in this situation).
2. We also have him use a nasal spray before bed. This cuts down on the annoying sniffles that ring throughout a quiet house at night. A nasal spray helps reduce inflammation in the nasal passage, some have even been found to reduce itchy eyes!
3. After time outside, a shower is required! With pollen floating in the air, we don’t want it coming into the house on his clothes, or body, and getting onto his bedding.
4. We run an HEPA air purifier in his bedroom. It is a pricey purchase and changing the filters on a regular basis is required, but it is helpful in keeping his bedroom air clean.
5. A dust-free zone helps an allergy sufferer any time of the year! The bedroom needs to be kept dusted, and curtains, sheets and pillowcases need to be washed frequently. It also helps to keep the window closed in order to keep pollen out. This is hard to do when a cool fall breeze comes in, but for his health, it is worth it.
6. Pollen count is highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m (source). and again at dusk, so it is best to skip being outside during these times. He doesn’t mind that I don’t wake him for an early morning run; he’d rather sleep in any way!

Staying consistent and recognizing allergies for what they are has helped us make our son’s life more enjoyable during allergy season. He can get outside and do the things he loves without regretting it later.

Being a parent who is informed and proactive will also help you feel better because you won’t feel so helpless! Put these six steps into action and see if you notice a difference in your child’s seasonal allergies.

Do you have any tips or tricks to help your child during allergy season? Please share in the comments!

This post is part of a sponsored collaboration between Children’s FLONASE® Allergy Relief and SheKnows