Caring For Your Sick Child

How to Give Your Sick Child Some Extra TLC

by Lea Oglesby

I am not a doctor. I am a Mom who searches the Internet like a CSI agent when anything new happens to my baby. My one-year old, Novi, is a very healthy little girl, but, recently, she was hit with a fever of 102 degrees. I was in a panic...she's usually the Energizer Bunny, but now my angel was perfectly content to just be held for one whole day.

As the fever went into day two, I called the doctor and she prescribed the medicine that "tastes like bubble gum". The next day the fever was gone but now she had a rash on her face and body. Being a new Mom, I raced her to the doctor again. This time, I was told she had roseola or a form of the several diseases that are similar to it. It is common for her age, and medicine does nothing for it. I'm relieved but impatient for the rash to go away.

I will do anything to limit the suffering of my child. The more I read expert opinions, the more I discover that many doctors say, "listen to your gut". But I feel it's important to remember that, if you feel any doubt, it's okay to call a doctor. Don't hesitate. In the meantime, if your child seems tired, let them rest. If they are not hungry, make sure they get their liquids. If your child is an infant, keep them comfortable. If they are older, same rules apply, only they might need something to keep them occupied.

My Mom always gave me a craft to do when I wasn't feeling 100%. It lifted my spirits and made my time on the couch go quickly. I am the youngest of her eleven children, so I trust her wisdom when it comes to childcare. During this holiday season, there are things your child can make whether they are sick or well that can make it a memorable time for them.

Finger puppets made from felt and glue can make a great gift-topper for a child. Tin foil can be shaped into just about anything to help a gift stand out. I like to make little men that sit on top of the gift to guard against the sneak-a-peekers. Tin-foil snowflakes and stars can be made and hung as decoration.

Making a treasure bottle in an empty and clean plastic soda bottle can be fun. Gather trinkets that your child would like, such as beads for girls and little plastic bugs for boys, and stick them in the clean bottle. Fill with uncooked rice, cover and shake. Objects like colored stones and coins tend to head to the center while beads and trinkets are easier to find.

During this holiday season, there will be parties, extra sweets and limited resting time, not to mention leftovers and added candy and desserts being served. This can be a recipe for an immune system on overdrive.

Before the parties begin, remember to keep an eye on what your kids are eating when they are out. This way you'll be able to know if those sugarplums dancing in their heads have moved to their stomach or if it just might be the flu. Have a happy and healthy holiday.