Raising Resilient Kids

There’s nothing quite like the fierce love that rises in you when your child is unwell. The worry. The questions. The deep desire to make it better.

As a mum, I get it. As a practitioner, I see it every day. And as someone who believes in the innate intelligence of the human body — especially in our little ones — I want to gently remind you of something important:

Their bodies are doing exactly what they’re meant to.

Our children are not fragile. They are wise, intuitive, and deeply connected to nature. And the more we trust in their design — and nourish them with the right support — the more resilient they become.

Fevers: The Body’s Beautiful Intelligence

One of the most misunderstood symptoms in childhood is the fever.

So many parents panic the moment their child’s temperature climbs. We’ve been conditioned to believe it’s dangerous, something to suppress immediately. But a fever is not the enemy — it’s a healing tool.

Fevers are the body’s natural way of burning off infection. They create an internal environment that is less hospitable to viruses and bacteria. They activate the immune system, support detoxification, and speed up recovery — when we allow them to do their job.

Of course, observation and care are essential. But a low to moderate fever in a child who is otherwise alert, hydrated, and resting is often a sign that the immune system is working beautifully.

What can you do during this time?

• Keep your child cool but not cold — dress lightly

• Offer sips of water, broth, or breastmilk

• Rest is medicine — slow everything down

• Use gentle natural supports like homeopathic Belladonna or Aconite (always with guidance)

• And most importantly — stay calm. Your presence is the greatest comfort of all.

The First 1000 Days: Foundations That Last a Lifetime

From conception to a child’s second birthday — those first 1000 days — are a critical window. It’s when the gut microbiome is forming, the immune system is learning, the brain is rapidly developing, and the blueprint for lifelong health is being written.

What happens during this time has ripple effects into adulthood. That’s not to place pressure — it’s to inspire awareness.

Because during this season, you hold incredible power.

You are not just feeding a child — you are programming health. You are not just soothing a tummy ache — you are shaping immunity.

This is why I often say: the best way to raise healthy kids is to start before they’re even born. Preconception and pregnancy lay the groundwork, but once your baby arrives, your daily choices continue to nourish or disrupt their internal ecosystem.

Supporting the Microbiome, Naturally

The gut microbiome is home to trillions of beneficial bacteria that influence digestion, immunity, mood, and even behaviour. And in early childhood, this ecosystem is still forming.

Here’s how you can support it gently and effectively:

• Breastfeed if possible – even small amounts provide beneficial bacteria and immune protection. If you are unable to breastfeed, there are ways we can fortify your child’s formula to help boost immunity and wellness. I am happy to guide you through this process at any time.

• Wholefood nutrition – offer a variety of vegetables, fruits, fermented foods (like sauerkraut or coconut yoghurt), and gut-loving bone broth

• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics – while sometimes lifesaving, they also strip the microbiome. Work with a practitioner to weigh up when truly needed

• Limit ultra-processed foods – these disrupt the gut, especially in sensitive little systems

• Outdoor play and contact with nature – healthy dirt, animal microbes, and sunshine all contribute to microbial diversity

Holding the Long View

It can be hard in the moment — the fevers, the sniffles, the restless nights. But every time you support your child’s immune system without suppressing it, you are building something stronger.

Every time you nourish their gut, you are teaching their body how to regulate, how to recover, how to thrive.

This isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about trusting the process. It’s about tuning in to what your child’s body is asking for — and meeting it with calm, connection, and care.

Because when you raise your child with presence, nourishment, and respect for their body’s natural rhythms… you raise a child who knows how to trust themselves.

And that, more than anything, is the foundation of lifelong wellness.