Managing Allergies with Children’s Claritin; Mom Crew

From the posts in our Children's Claritin Mom crew Facebook group to the reports on the evening news, it seems that allergies are on everyone's minds! It doesn't help that Spring already happens to be one of the busiest seasons for moms, with everything from holidays to homework on our plates. Luckily, we're all in it together and sometimes just commiserating with another mom is the encouragement we need to power through- that and the relief that Children's Claritin provides our little ones! Another thing that we all rely on the get us through our craziest days is a good laugh. If you need one today, make sure to check out the new Claritin short film, "The Difference is Clear" starring Brooke Burke-Charvet, host of Dancing with the Stars and co-CEO of ModernMom.com. If you haven't seen it yet, it's a crazy, over-the-top look at two versions of one busy woman's day who is juggling work, life and family, while also dealing with allergies. If anyone can relate to this video, it's all of us in the Children's Claritin Mom Crew! Enjoy it and stay tuned for behind-the scenes footage to be posted in early April.

The Claritin® Allergen Guide: Tree Pollen Edition

Outdoor allergens like seasonal pollens and molds can be difficult to manage because it seems like they're everywhere and you can't escape them. Many of them occur at the time you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors, too- like right now! Here's a closer look at a common culprit, tree pollen. Knowing what to look for can help you steer clear of these notorious allergy triggers:

Tree Pollens
When it comes to trees, the real allergy troublemakers are hardwood deciduous trees — oak, elm, birch, maple, ash, alder and hazel:

• These trees generally pollinate from February to April or May.
• In the South, these trees begin pollinating as early as January; in the North, they begin in April.
• People show cross-reactivity to trees in the beech, birch, alder and oak family, and in the juniper and cedar family. This means that if you're allergic to one type of tree, you're likely allergic to others in the same family.
• If you're looking to plant trees on your property, look for species that do not aggravate allergies, such as catalpa, crepe myrtle, dogwood, fig, fir, palm, pear, plum, redbud and redwood trees.

Flower Fun

It's spring and everything is blooming! However, moms of allergy sufferers know that sometimes the prettiest flowers can wreak the most havoc. This season, don't go without those beautiful blooms- simply get creative and use materials around your home to create floral masterpieces. What they lack in fragrance they make up for in fun! Click here to download fun flower crafts.

Sunshine Smoothie

This bright and fresh-tasting smoothie is like a dose of sunshine in a glass!

Ingredients:

• 1 large banana, frozen
• ½ cup of orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup of ice cubes
• 1 orange, peeled and sliced

Directions: Add banana, orange juice, honey, yogurt, and ice cubes to blender. Blend until smooth, adding more honey to taste. Garnish with orange slices.

Disclosure: As a member of the Children’s Claritin Mom Crew, I receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit. No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.