by Shelley Heaphy
With a child’s first year in daycare or school there can be a lot of unwanted sickness. When our eldest started school (the same can be said for a child’s first year of daycare) we experienced at least one family member sick each week, throat infections, ear infections, colds, flu, cough and the list goes on! I’m sure I’m not the only one having lived with this so I thought I would share some ways I’ve been surviving with three little ones and sickness!
Having sick kids is the worst. Not only is it awful to see them so sad and so sick and know there’s not much you can do to help them. It’s also hard to play the guessing game. I’m always guessing as to whether or not I should be running them to the emergency room or CLSC or whether I should be trying to see my doctor.
When looking for a resource available 24 hours a day to answer questions, consider calling 811. They really help appease my worries. They ask lots of questions and advise me on whether or not I should present myself to emergency, try to get a doctor’s appointment or wait it out. Of course, if you ever feel your child needs to be seen by a doctor immediately, better to be safe than sorry – head to emergency.
In terms of making them comfortable when they’re sick I’ve come up with a few things that have helped us this fall. Of course it depends on the age of your child/children but here’s what we’ve been trying:
- With a baby, they want Mommy. I’ve taken to wearing my little ones when they are not feeling good, this makes them happier and allows me to still do a few things. I use a carrier but wraps are also very popular.
There are even websites for trading carriers/wraps available in the Renfrew area.
- Get some fresh air, even if it means sitting in a stroller in the driveway for a few minutes, get out there. Get everyone dressed warmly and get outside to play with chalk, go for a walk or just check out what’s happening in your neighbourhood. Follow footsteps, blow bubbles, paint snow. This not only helps your child but can give you some renewed energy as well.
- Play with some low energy toys or games. Your child may not want to do much more than sleep, so if that’s the case have some simple things ready for when they wake up. Some things we’ve been playing with are Playdough, puzzles, reading lots of stories, memory games and colouring. If they can’t get off the couch, a movie may help take their mind off their sickness.
- Keep them hydrated. Have a cup of water with them at all times. They may not have much of an appetite but keeping them drinking is really important. Popsicles can also sometimes help keep them hydrated, soups and juices are also great options.
- In terms of food, offer it to them throughout the day, offer a variety of options as they may not feel like eating very much. We had lots of popsicles and yogurt tubes. Trying to get them to eat healthy options is important but may not always work when they aren’t feeling well. In the end, anything is better than nothing.
- Lets face it, you’re not going to have tons of time to cook. This is when healthy soups might be a great dish to prepare. I have tried a recipe I found online for a delicious chicken, orzo soup. It’s really quick and simple and you can add as many veggies as you like. Here’s the link to the one I love but a quick search will get you a simple recipe for chicken noodle soup to whip up for the next couple of days. (http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chicken-orzo-soup/49bbd6c9-6032-48fb-9370-0d08a6b5eda7, I added some marjoram spice to this soup and we all love it.)
- Disinfect — Your kids will love helping with this. Gather up the toys and throw them in the sink with some warm water and soap and let them wash them. Throw any stuffies or baby cloth toys in the washing machine. Wash down surfaces in your home. When you regain some energy, do a thorough cleaning of your house to rid the air of all those icky germs.
Hope some of these tips help. Until next week, stay healthy and sane.
- The Parents Voice Shawville is excited to announce the return of the African Storyteller, Jacqui Du Toit. She will be at the Shawville Lions Hall on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 10:30-11:30. This is the same day as the Shawville Carnival with other activities being held before and after our event. You can participate in free public skating, snow painting, horse drawn rides, sliding (bring your own slides), free hot dogs, popcorn and hot chocolate and children’s crafts. Come out and enjoy the fun from 10-1.
