Coping with Sick Kids
We've been passing mild sickness back and forth for about a month now. It's caused some minor inconveniences but nothing significant -- until the last few days.
Our youngest daughter took a turn for the worse. This last week reminded me -- sick kids create a lot of collateral work!
Can you remember the last time one of your kids got sick?
Children blindside us out of nowhere. One minute they're fine. The next minute, we're scrambling to rearrange the day -- get coverage for work, secure transportation for siblings' activities, cancel and reschedule appointments etc.
The needs of the sick child add to the chaos -- schedule a doctor's office "sick" visit, two pharmacy stops (one to drop off the prescription, a second to pick up the medicine), grocery shop for specialty food items, extra laundry.
As their tolerance for siblings plummets, skirmishes escalate. The emotional needs of the sick child can drain the entire household, leaving everyone's nerves raw.
When you have a sick child at home, what is your plan to reestablish balance?
Addressing the practical and emotional needs of all family members will set the tone for peaceful passage through times of illness.
● Get proper nutrition and rest so your bodies can heal most effectively and quickly.
● Drink plenty of water -- at least half of your body weight in ounces (100 pounds = 50 ounces/day).
● Have siblings take a breather from interacting. Instruct them to play individually in separate areas.
● Encourage calm activities: read a book, listen to music, watch a comedy, play a card/board game.
● Take a soothing bubble bath or shower. A child or an adult with a fever should not take a hot shower.
● Give yourself permission to abandon regular activity while you focus on your family's health.
● Enjoy the extra cuddle time with your sick child. They grow quickly. "No one has ever looked back at the end of his life and wished he spent more time at his desk!"