A Not-So-Welcome Visitor this Season
By Guest Blogger Michelle Barson
Every season has a special virus that passes through the school systems and camps. This fall has treated our family, and all of our friends (because we’re good at sharing), a specifically rough brand of illness.
Symptoms:
~ Phlegm-filled, strong cough
~ Snot that drains down the throat and not out the nose
~ Fevers that come and go
~ Coughs that lead to a mucus-like vomit
~ Lethargy
~ Lack of appetite
The best part is there is a two day onset period where the kids still have energy, no fever but start to develop a cough and eat less. I assumed it was allergies and let my kids go and infest the rest of their preschool. SORRY!
Adults seem to catch it too, but not to the extent as their little ones. My mom friends and I feel tired (of course we aren’t sleeping all night because we’re caring for a fevered child or two), drainage and headaches.
Wah wah – I know. Every season has something. I think the worst part for me is explaining to toddlers that they can’t drink milk, or go to school or see their friends. Then theres the trying to keep them rested, hydrated and comfortable is so much harder than it feels like it should be.
I have four year old twin boys and some of the things that I’ve found to be helpful include:
- Letting them rest wherever they want…it’s not worth the fight to get them in the bed. Let them sleep on the floor if they want.
- Buy plenty of carbohydrate options to keep something in their belly. I know we all want to make sure they get their fruits, veggies and protein but this illness is brutal and the kids have no desire for food and the fever reducers are hard on their empty tummies. I made pancakes, bought corn muffins and plan pasta.
- Buying a new toy. Something that is low energy output. Some items we like during times like these include legos and transformers.
- I don’t monitor screen time like I normally would. I’m typically pretty proud that we have days without any screen time and I try to watch it, but when they’re sick I let them veg out on their kindles and Netflix as much as they want.
- Okay, so this will be controversial, but when my kids are sick one of them really likes to sleep with me. I don’t fight it. It’s not worth it. I pay the price during the transition back once he’s well, but I honestly never regret it. The coughing and fevers make me nervous anyway and my boy who doesn’t sleep with me I’m up and down visiting a million times at night anyway.
What do you do to keep your kids occupied, hydrated and fed when they’re sick? The more we can share our ideas and what works for each of the more we all benefit!
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