Feel better with #VicksTricks

I’ve been challenged by Vicks to take part in the #VicksTricks challenge and share the little tips and tricks I use at home to soothe, comfort and aid the recovery of the little ones. We were delighted to receive a package of goodies through the post including finger puppets, a bedtime book and Vicks First Defence nasal spray.

So here are my top tips to help deal with coughs and colds…

1) Rest. I always encourage lots of rest but obviously, that’s easier said than done with little ones so it’s all about tricking them into resting! We will put on some episodes of their favourite TV show, watch a film or snuggle down and read some books! Family Psychologist Corinne Sweet advises that “listening to a story or watching a film is a good idea, as it is soothing and promotes laughter (an immune booster). But don’t let them play video games, watch scary films or spend hours on screens. This will keep their minds over-stimulated, when their immune systems need gentler stimulation and rest.” 
2) Distraction. This is simply about getting their minds off the fact they are feeling poorly so we might play some board games, sing silly songs or simply play with their toys. A children’s magazine with a free toy and mounds of stickers always works wonders! 
3) Home comforts. There is nothing better than a few home luxuries when you are feeling poorly so I use tricks such as cooking their very favourite meal, making them warm drinks and giving them an extra pillow at night (the height of luxury in our house!) 
4) Prevention. Although coughs and colds are inevitable, particularly at this time of year, there are a a few ways to help prevent them. Firstly, I always encourage regular hand washing and keep a bottle of antibacterial gel in my bag for those times on the move when we can’t easily access soap and water. Vicks First Defence Spray can also help stop a cold in its tracks! 

Vicks have conducted research into the common methods British parents use to help their little ones feel better…*

 • Over half (52%) of parents said that rest was the most important thing for making children feel better. 
• This was followed by ‘medicine’, which 40% of parents rely on.
• More than a third of parents (36%) believe in the power of TLC. 

When it comes to keeping those little ones entertained: 

• Three out of four (75%) British parents put on the TV or a DVD. 
• Over a quarter (27%) read to their children. 
• 1 in 10 parents get really creative; either telling jokes (8%) or even do magic tricks (2%).

Laughter is definitely important to aid recovery and that’s why Vicks have revealed some clever little magic tricks you can use with your children to keep them entertained!

There's nothing worse than poorly little ones so I hope that's given you some ideas to help next time those coughs and colds appear! 

Disclosure. This post is an entry for the #VicksTricks campaign.  

*A consumer survey by Vicks used 2,000 parents from across all parts of the UK.