PARENT'S NIGHTMARE: A SICK CHILD
February 17, 2016The past few days were all about tiredness/fatigue, and the strain is taking its toll on me. The nasty cold bug decided to pay my LO a 'visit', and on top of that, she is having on and off fever from the pneumococcus jab. Based on survey (own survey on those around me :P), caring for sick children, especially babies and toddlers, proved to be one of the biggest nightmares for every parent.
I never would have guessed how much of parenting is devoted to taking care of sick children before I had one. There’s nothing you can do to plan for it, you can't mark it in your appointment books or schedule around an illness. It’s one of those things that you just have to deal with, and it doesn't matter what your profession is. If you don’t have a stay-at-home parent, you have to make allowances for it and be prepared that some of your colleagues (those without children) will be bad-mouthing your lack of productivity behind your back. “Can you believe she is taking off AGAIN? What is wrong with that kid of hers?” You know what is wrong with the kid? SHE’S A KID. Kids get sick. A lot. B*tch.
When you or I are unwell, what we mostly want is someone to look after us, to give us food and sympathy, peace to be able to rest and something to keep us amused when we are feeling a little better. When children are sick, they need all of these and more. When they are unwell and especially if they are in pain, children often feel frightened or worried. They need to be cared for by the people they feel close to. And as for babies and young toddlers, all they can do is just crying/screaming because they can't put it in words and tell us how they actually feel or what's making them uncomfortable yet.
"If I can say it out, I wouldn't have to cry and scream so much!" Lol. |
While my baby daughter is lazily draped over me as snot and drool pools onto my shoulder, I thought I’d offer a quick outline of the methods/home remedies I've tried so far, besides giving her plenty of water and fruits:
STERIMAR NASAL SPRAY
BULB SYRINGE
Supposedly the perfect tool to help remove mucus. |
ONIONS
Onions were historically used as a preventative medicine during epidemics of cholera and the plague. |
MAKE IT STEAMY!
SLEEP IN UPRIGHT POSITION
This is often accomplished by allowing your child to sleep on your chest while you are sitting in a chair or on the bed, in an uncomfortable position. At some point, you may have to make a choice: Sit uncomfortably knowing that your back will probably never bend into its natural position again, or stir your child awake in order to reposition. Most of us will choose the long-term consequences.WORKS, but need a massage or pain relief patches after that >.<
SNOW PEAR SOUPS
Cool in nature. |
GARLIC
It's full of antibiotic and antiviral properties. |
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