When your kid is in elementary school, you're sending them into a breeding ground for germs each and every day. Did you know that kids get a cold or flu between 8 and 12 times each year?

This is an alarming fact of life, which is why you need to do everything possible to keep them healthy, build their immune system and teach them about illness.

You can build a healthy foundation for your child by using the following four tips.

1. Use Daily Supplementation

It's never too early to get your child started on a regimen of vitamins and supplements. Start small by giving your child a multivitamin catered to their health needs.

You should be able to find a good kid's multivitamin in just about any pharmacy or health store. Doing this ensures that your child is able to get their fill of important vitamins first thing in the morning, without having to wait to get daily servings of food.

This, along with an excellent balanced diet makes sure that your child doesn't develop deficiencies that can make them sick.

On top of multivitamins, you can look up some natural remedies to help them stay healthy and strong. Honey is a great natural immune building supplement that you can feed your child. Since honey is sweet, you should get no complaints!

You can also help your child build their immune system by using natural supplement like garlic, fish oil, and apple cider vinegar.

2. Help Your Child Communicate And Stay Realistic About Their Injuries And Ailments

If you've been a parent long enough, you know that kids can sometimes have a flair for the dramatic when it comes to injuries and ailments. However, parents are often the reason.

Kids pick up on your cues, so if you're easily panicked or worried about their well-being, they'll naturally get just as panicked and worried about their own well-being. Temper your words and make sure that you're explaining ailments to your child, as opposed to letting it become a stressor.

Perhaps your child is going through a phase of going to the nurse, only to find out there's nothing wrong with them.

Make sure that you use any illness as a time to educate your child about the way their bodies work. This way, they'll be better able to process it, rather than letting it be a source of stress.

3. Encourage Plenty Of Play Time

The best way to help your child stay healthy is to encourage exercise. For kids, this will typically come in the form of play.

You can do this by taking time out to play with them 30 minutes per day or so. Playing with your child helps their heart health, immune system and overall well-being.

It will also help them to be better able to recover whenever they do get sick.

4. Stay On Top Of Doctor's Appointments

Finally, make sure that you get your child to the doctor on a regular basis. When your child is young, they will naturally get colds more often, which will help build their immunity.

You can help with their health by taking them to the doctor both when they're sick and just for checkups. Keep your health insurance current and make sure to include your child on the plan.

It's also important to stay on top of their immunizations, so they can avoid the more serious illnesses.

Consider these points and your child will stay healthy and out of the nurse's office.