My 5 year seems very run down- how to perk him up?

[BoyfriendCoatAndBigScarf]

It's his first year of school so I do know there's an element of catching everything.

He had a horrible cough for a good couple of weeks, eventually it cleared up with antibiotics. He's still exhausted and his colour is definitely off. His diet is generally good, although he's been so tired/ratty I'm not as strict about forcing the veg into him. He's also been getting more screen time recently, due to crappy weather and his own tiredness.

Reading that back I'm a little embarrassed and I'm going to get more fresh air and fresh veg into him. Is there anything else that could help? Chewy vitamins maybe?

Early nights. Kids are exhausted this time year

My 4.5 year old is in the same boat

As much fruit, veg, protein and carbs as I can get into him and lots and lots of sleep. He got 13 hours last night

He's not great at sleeping in (hoping that comes with age) but he definitely is dropping off earlier and earlier.

The chewy vitamins are good
My soon to be six year old likes homemade tomato and lentil soup soup, I also try to get him to eat nuts, boiled eggs, some red meat and freshly squeezed orange juice these seem to perk him up

I also make him a small bowl of ready brek and put some black strap molasses on it perhaps once a week and make him drink plenty of water and he also has the whole milk with added vitamins in. I also made homemade cakes with things like apple and almond, banana and date or yoghurt and buttermilk lemon cake to fill him up a bit without giving him loads of biscuits .

His first year of school did make him tired and he was worn out by the Friday nights.

Fresh air gets their appetite going too.

Yes definitely sleep sleep sleep and no tablets during school nights have also helped immensely

Vitamin D. And, yes, as much fresh air as possible. Maybe a walk around the neighbourhood to look at Xmas lights.

Oh, and probiotics after antibiotics.

He's probably shattered. Lots of rest!

Probiotics, especially after antibiotics. Vitamin c and zinc, high dose vit d

I think this term is realy tough, even on older children, as it is so long and busy. My teacher friends are run down too! But not long to go til the holidays now, when he can hopefully have a good rest and recover.
You have had some good suggestions already. I have always found soups and smoothies a good way to get fruit and veg into my children when they are ill and don't have much of an appetite.
Supplement wise, I would suggest Floradix liquid. It doesn't taste to bad and contains iron and a variety of vitamins. Iron deficiency can contribute to poor appetite so it can become a bit of a vicious cycle whereby poor appetite leads to low iron intake and low iron leads to poor appetite. I think I might get some in myself actually as both my boys are a bit run down just now.
I hope your little chap feels better soon and enjoys Christmas,.