5 years to 10 years

Focus on: Building a strong immune system
Colds, flu, and other illnesses are unavoidable, particularly in school-age children—right? Wrong. Although respiratory infections, stomach bugs, and other ailments are a common part of childhood, they are in many cases preventable—provided your child is equipped with a battle-ready immune system, says Baral.

Eat immunity-boosting foods. A healthy diet is the first line of defense, Tanner says. "If your child is living on french fries and fruit juice, she is going to be more susceptible because her body lacks the nutrients needed to fight off germs." Instead of saturated fats and sugar—which weaken the immune system—feed your child foods rich in antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, such as oranges, strawberries, carrots, and green beans. A children's multivitamin that provides at least 100 percent of the recommended daily intake of the essentials (C, E, D, B1/thiamin, B2/riboflavin, B3/niacin, B6, B12, and folic acid) can also benefit the immune system. "When my kids miss their multi for a week and everyone at school is sick, they will get sick," says Keri Marshall, an ND in Dover, New Hampshire. "That extra boost of vitamins really helps."

Increase sleep. Allowing your son to stay up late watching TV or reading in bed could make him vulnerable to illness. Several studies have shown that sleep deprivation can blunt the body's ability to ward off everything from the common cold to diabetes. But recent research on adults found that even modest sleep loss can affect immunity and increase inflammation, which has been linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and death (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006, vol. 166, no. 16).

Fight infections naturally. Turning to anti-biotics for every sore throat or ear infection can harm your child in the long run by helping to create stronger, more antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Marshall says. Illnesses, including many middle-ear infections, often are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics. Instead, allow your child a day or two to heal without antibiotics, and use natural cold and flu remedies with vitamin C, elderberry extract, and propolis extract.

Encourage exercise. While an intense workout can sometimes weaken the immune system ( Allergie Et Immunologie , 2003, vol. 35, no. 2), research shows that moderate exercise boosts the body's immune defenses. Exercise also helps prevent obesity, which has been shown to interfere with the body's ability to produce illness-fighting antibodies.

Oral health. Kids usually begin losing their baby teeth around age 6. Teach your child early on to brush his teeth after every meal, floss once a day, and limit sugar consumption. Find a dentist your child likes and schedule regular cleanings and checkups.

Have a plan for owies. Active school-age children are no strangers to cuts and bruises. Now is the time to assemble a natural first aid kit. Include arnica (Arnica montana ), a homeopathic remedy for bruises that can be taken orally or applied as a cream; an ointment containing calendula (Calendula officinalis ) for scrapes and cuts; and aloe ( Aloe vera ) for minor burns, including sunburn.

Head off hyperactivity labeling. Kids who are at times hyperactive or easily distracted are often labeled as having ADHD and, in many cases, put on a prescription drug such as Ritalin. However, the behavioral characteristics associated with ADHD are complex and can be caused by many factors, including toxic exposure to lead and mercury and even diet, says Wendy Weber, ND, MPH, research assistant professor at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. If your child exhibits signs of ADHD, consider working with a dietitian or physician to remove from her diet—at least temporarily—dairy, wheat, eggs, and other foods known to trigger sensitivities that can exacerbate symptoms, says Weber. At the same time, add in DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids, which may ward off the risk of developing ADHD (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , 1995, vol. 62, no. 4 Suppl).

Stop germ spread. Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water—particularly before meals and after using the bathroom and returning from school or other public places—is a powerful way to kill germs before they can attack your child's immune system, Tanner says. Carry a natural hand sanitizer that is free of synthetic antibacterial agents for those times when soap and water aren't available. Replace toothbrushes and disinfect toys after a child has been sick.

Next page: 10 years to 14 years