Let’s be honest — cold and flu season always seems to sneak up on us. One minute you’re buying back-to-school supplies, the next thing you know, someone’s coughing in the backseat and tissues are piling up on every surface of your house. As a mom, I’ve learned that it’s way easier to get ahead of the germs than to play catch-up once they hit.
If you're juggling school drop-offs, snacks, sports practice, and still trying to keep your house from turning into a tissue tornado, this guide is for you. Here’s how I prep my family for flu season — with real-life tips, mom hacks, and one of my favorite healthy shortcuts: Sips Club Veggie and Protein Sips of course ;)
1. Start With the Flu Shot (Don’t Wait!)
I get it — squeezing in doctor’s appointments is the last thing any of us want to do. But trust me, scheduling the flu shot early is one of those “worth it” tasks.
Why? Because it gives your immune system time to build protection before the flu starts making the rounds at school or daycare. I aim for September or early October, but honestly, any time before peak flu season is better than skipping it.
Mom tip:
I book everyone's appointments on the same day, back-to-back. I bring snacks, tablets, and a favorite toy (do what you gotta do here!) — and we just knock it out in one trip.
2. Re-teach Hand Washing Like You’re a Kindergarten Teacher
I don’t care if your kids are 5 or 15 — we all need reminders.
Make handwashing a thing. My kids know the rule: before meals, after school, after coughing or sneezing, and definitely after using the bathroom. We sing the “Happy Birthday” song while we scrub (bonus: they LOVE being the hand-washing police for each other).
Keep hand sanitizer in your car, backpacks, and diaper bags — because sometimes you just need a quick clean-up on the go.
3. Stock the Kitchen With Immune-Boosting Foods (But Keep It Simple)
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to feed your family well during cold and flu season. I try to stick to whole foods and keep immune-supporting ingredients around.
What’s always on my grocery list:
- Oranges, berries, carrots, spinach (for vitamin C & A)
- Garlic and onions (natural immune boosters)
- Chicken, eggs, beans (protein for immune cell strength)
- Greek yogurt (probiotics = gut health = better immunity)
And here’s my not-so-secret weapons:
Sips Club Veggie and Protein Sips. Call me biased…
They’ve saved me so many times — whether I’m running late and skipping breakfast, or my kids refuses to eat anything but crackers. The Veggie Sips sneak in real vegetables and nutrients, and the Protein Sips help keep everyone full and fueled.
It’s basically the mom version of a multivitamin in a bottle — but way tastier and easier to hand off to picky eaters.
4. Prioritize Sleep Like It’s Your Job (Even When That Feels Impossible)
Sleep is when your body resets and repairs — especially your immune system. But let’s be honest: bedtime can feel like a battle zone.
Here’s what’s helped in our house:
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Consistent bedtime routines (bath, books, no screens)
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Cooler, darker bedrooms
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No sugar or snacks after dinner (sugar can actually weaken immunity)
As for me, I try to get 7–8 hours, but I also forgive myself when that doesn’t happen. The important thing is that we’re aiming for good sleep most of the time — not perfection.
5. Clean the Germ Traps (Without Losing Your Mind)
You don’t need to disinfect your entire house daily. But you should hit the high-touch areas regularly. Think:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Phones and tablets
- Fridge handles
- Remote controls
I keep a basket of disinfecting wipes in the kitchen and do a 5-minute wipe-down before dinner while something’s in the oven.
Mom tip: Let the kids help! My youngest loves using the “magic wipes” on doorknobs.
6. Plan Ahead for Sick Days
There’s nothing worse than having a kid spike a fever at 8 p.m. and realizing you’re out of children’s Tylenol or tissues.
Here’s what I like to keep stocked in our “flu box”:
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Thermometers (and check the batteries!)
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Fever reducers
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Electrolyte drinks or freezer pops
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Tissues and hand sanitizer
- Extra Sips Club (great for hydration and light nutrition)
Bonus tip for all of you overachievers out there: Prep some “sick day” meals in advance — soups, frozen homemade mac & cheese, smoothie ingredients. When someone’s down for the count, the last thing I want to do is cook from scratch.
7. Boost Immunity With Movement, Hydration & Less Stress
Sometimes the best immune support doesn’t come from a bottle — it comes from small, daily habits.
Here’s what we try to do as a family (key word: try):
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Get outside every day (even if it’s just a walk or 10 minutes on the trampoline)
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Drink Veggie or Protein Sips instead of juice
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Build in quiet time — even 15 minutes of reading or Lego-building helps reduce stress
I also make sure I’m staying hydrated and nourished, especially when life gets hectic. If I skip lunch because I’m running around, I do my own cocktail of a Sips Club Veggie and Protein Sip together. It’s fast, clean, and keeps me from crashing at 3 p.m.
8. Know What to Do When Someone Gets Sick
Even with the best prevention, someone will likely get sick. It’s okay. You’re still doing great.
Here’s what I do when the flu (or a nasty cold) hits:
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Isolate the sick kid as much as possible — they get the cozy blanket, and their own tissue stash.
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Disinfect daily — especially the bathroom, door handles, and anything they touch.
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Encourage rest, fluids, and nutrition — broth, toast, and (you guessed it) Veggie Sips or Protein Sips if eating is a struggle.
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Check in with your pediatrician if symptoms worsen or if there are breathing issues, persistent fever, or dehydration signs.
Don't forget to take care of yourself, too. Moms always end up as the nurse, chef, and cleaning crew — and we’re no good to our kids if we burn out.
Here’s my Flu Season checklist. Because lists keep me sane:
- Refill meds & check your “flu box”
- Wash backpacks/lunch boxes weekly
- Wipe high-touch surfaces (every few days)
- Restock Sips Club sips in the fridge and bag
- Check in with the kids: “How are you feeling today?”
- Plan 3–4 easy, healthy meals (leftovers are your friend)
- Wipe down remotes, phones and tablets (hello, germ hotspots!
You’ve got this, Mama!
Flu season might be messy, but it doesn’t have to knock your whole household off track. With a little prep, a stocked kitchen and a whole lot of handwashing, you can get through the season stronger — and hopefully with fewer sick days.
Here’s to a healthy, happy (and tissue-free?) season. 💪
P.S. Want to give Sips Club a try? Take 15% off when you sign up for our email list. Plus get free shipping on all subscriptions and orders over $80.
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