As the back-to-school season approached, parents and students diligently checked off their to-do lists: purchasing school supplies, organizing backpacks, and selecting first-day outfits. However, amidst the excitement of a new academic year, it's essential to remember that preparing for school goes beyond the classroom essentials. Just as we equip ourselves for success in the classroom, we must also prepare for the inevitable sick days that can disrupt the school and work routine.
We survived exactly five and a half days of school before one kid brought home the first crud of the season. Dealing with sick kids of any age can be challenging, but a few tips and a little preparation can help ease the process and make both your child's and your own experience more manageable. Here are some practical tips to consider:
Get You 'Sick Kit' and First Aid Supplies Organized
Check your supplies and prepare a designated "sick kit" that includes essentials to help comfort your family members when under the weather. Here are some helpful items:
- Thermometer: A digital thermometer to monitor temperature. If you use an ear thermometer make sure you have plenty of covers on hand too!
- Tissues: Soft tissues for sneezing and runny noses. In addition to boxes to have around the house, it is nice to have some smaller "pocket" packages for backpacks and purses
- Baby VapoRub: I use this for the whole family. It helps relieve stuffy noses no matter your age and yes, I believe in slathering it on your feet and covering them with socks to ease congestion. There may be no science in it and it could be a wives-tale handed down from generations before me - but we believe it works.
- Cough Drops or Lozenges: To soothe a sore throat or persistent cough.
- Electrolyte Solutions: Long gone are the days when you need to store a large bottle of electrolyte drinks for children. We love to stock up on the pre-measured powdered options which are easily found in grocery and drug stores. Not only are they much easier to store, but they are also great for traveling.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications: Age-appropriate pain relievers, fever reducers, and cough or cold medicines as recommended by a healthcare professional. Always keep medicines in their original bottles to manage expiration dates and make it easy for visiting adults (babysitters, grandparents, etc.) to find and administer medication if needed.
- Blankets/Bedding: Fevers can cause chills and sweat, so extra blankets are great to help make you more comfortable and feel fresh. In the case of a stomach bug and vomiting you will want to protect bedding. At a minimum make sure mattresses are protected with a liquid-resistant liner, made with older sheets, and all "extras" are removed because you do not want to have to wash all 999 stuffed animals your child snuggles with each night.
Something I have adopted is using a child-sized air mattress which makes clean-up a breeze and can be placed in another room (multiple kids with the crud? bunk them together), closer to a bathroom or a parent for comfort. - Disposable Bags: Hang on to some of those plastic shopping bags because they are perfect for containing used tissues and other disposable items. If you have a kid who tends to become car-sick stash a few in your car too!
- Heating Pad: To provide warmth and comfort. If you have rice and an old sock you can DIY your way to make a small microwaveable heating (or chilled!) pad which is great to place behind an ear for earaches or over a forehead for headaches.
- Humidifier: We have a couple of tabletop humidifiers that get a solid workout with each cold season. My tips: find one that is easy to clean and clean it routinely and do not add any oils to the water unless it specifies that you can. We use one that allows you to place small vapor pads in a small chamber which are great when really stuffy.
- Baby Wipes: Messes happen and these are great for quick cleanup and feeling refreshed between baths or showers.
- Contact Information: I know that almost every number we need will be stored in our phones, but this list is great for babysitters and other adults who may help care for your sick kids.
- New Toothbrushes: We replace toothbrushes after each bout of sickness. We love toothbrushes with replaceable heads for this reason.
- Cleaning Supplies: Wipe out germs from door handles, remote controls, and other common surfaces with disinfectant spray or wipes
Some other good tips when fighting illness:
- Keep water bottles filled and encourage kids to drink often
- Elevate stuffy heads. You can use a rolled-up towel or folded blanket to elevate a small mattress or to prop up pillows to keep kids from laying flat and making breathing easier
- Easy snacks within reach. I love to keep saltine crackers, goldfish, applesauce pouches, and fresh fruits like bananas and berries on hand. Not only are these snacks easy to eat pretty much anywhere, but they are gentle on the belly.
- Keep low-activity entertainment within reach. Comic books, drawing materials, and easy games like Rubik's Cube, Light Brite, and Etch a Sketch are all great alternatives to screens.
- Set timers to remind yourself when to check temperatures, give medicines, and offer water or food.
- Don't forget to take care of yourself too. Stay hydrated, eat well, and get enough rest to maintain your own well-being while caring for your sick child.
Remember, every child is different, so adapt these hacks to suit your child's preferences and needs. Providing comfort, understanding, and a touch of creativity can go a long way in making sick days a bit more bearable for both of you.
