The Mommy Files: Coping with “The Sickness”
Cold and flu season is definitely upon us. And while I’m no doctor, I try to believe that my methods of getting rid of germs are pretty effective. It goes something like this:
- Quarantine sick person
- Fill them with over-the-counter meds to alleviate discomfort
- Provide a cooler full of popsicles and juice on ice to limit amount of time they must mingle with non-sick family members
- Provide a baby monitor (regardless of sick person’s age) so they can easily call for help should they need it
- Sanitize every surface in sick person’s room once they are feeling better
In my quest to find ways to appropriately care for sick kids and spouses, I’ve come across several other moms who have a unique view on “the sickness.”
My first stop was over at Divine Secrets of a Domestic Diva who describes her family’s experience with the “respiratory funk” and offers up both toddler- and mommy-approved tips for avoiding the spread of germs. I have to admit, her plan is way better than mine.
Motherhood WTF? takes a look at the issue of jealousy among siblings when one is sick and the other is not…it’s not always rational, indeed. And it kind of reminds me of that episode of Arthur when D.W. is jealous that Arthur has the chicken pox and she pretends to get them too by drawing all over herself…only to be discovered when Grandma Thora pops her in the tub and her spots are miraculously gone.
And pediatrician Vincent Iannelli, M.D. doles out legitimate, practical medical advice on both avoiding the flu and what to do if you’re exposed but haven’t had a flu shot. It’s worth looking at, even if it’s not hysterically funny because, after all, he is a professional.
Finally, you need to make sure you have the appropriate supplies in the event your child gets sick…check out how to get flu ready before “the sickness” even hits your home.
photo credit: lauren grace picture place
