As soon as children start nursery, it seems they bring home every illness going, throw in siblings and life becomes one continuous round of snot wiping, medicine spooning, hugs and sympathy. Then you get it, and you don’t get a sick day!
I’ve been asked by Britmums and Vicks to share what I do to help make my children feel better when they’re ill as part of the #VicksTricks campaign, so this post is my entry. Here is my list of not so secret weapons to help me and the kids when they’re ill.
Tissues
Ideally the softest ones, and plenty of them. Although I do get annoyed when they use them once and then want another one straight away. I am working on teaching them the art of using a tissue more than once. Those pocket packs are good for school, and they love the novelty of them.
Paracetamol, medicine and Placebo
As a Nurse and a Midwife, I’m a believer in medicine and science, so if they have a sore throat, a dose of paracetamol can work wonders. They do start believing it works on anything though, so I explain it gets rid of aches and pains. You can also make up your own ‘medicine’ by making a placebo medicine and saying it will make them feel better. Use an old medicine bottle for the full effect. I remember as a child being comforted by Vicks vapo rub on my chest, as I suffered a lot from whooping cough. I use it on my children sparingly now, the menthol vapours help clear their nose (children must be over 2 years old).
Comfort Food
Foods like soup, shepherd’s pie, chips, orange juice, hot chocolate, warm milk – they all help give comfort when they’re feeling down. If they’ve got a bad cough and sore throat, I avoid anything ‘scratchy’ and don’t force them to eat. Toast and cereal are always good. Chicken soup with barley is always a favourite.
Stories
Visual stimulation like TV, tablets and phones can be a bit much when they’re ill, so reading together, or audio books can help.
Hot water bottle
That feeling of cosiness and warmth, a hot water bottle can soothe a tummy ache and give them something to snuggle up to.
Magic
Cheering them up with magic tricks when they’re feeling poorly can make them laugh and fill them with mystery, they can forget how bad they feel. The Vicks YouTube channel has some videos which let you in on the secrets, like this banana trick, I’m totally doing this with my kids!
Laughter
A funny film, being silly together, mucking about and dancing, getting Daddy to throw them around, it gets the endorphins going and ultimately helps them get better quicker. Laughter is an immune booster, so get entertaining! According to family psychologist Corinne Sweet,
“One of the most powerful antidotes to sickness developing further, is parental care and concern.”
So lots of TLC, letting them know you’re there and you love them, that it’s normal and they will feel better. When they’re babies, forget the housework, cancel plans and just accept the fact that they’ll be glued to you for the day. They don’t understand what’s going on, they just know something’s wrong and they need their Mum or Dad.
Fluids
Plenty of water, or weak squash, try some warm water with lemon and sugar in. Add honey if they’re over a year old, and older children might tolerate a bit of ginger in it too. Make it a magic potion and get them involved in making it.
Sleep
Or lack of – if they’re bunged up and coughing, it can be broken sleep for all. Try a pillow, so that they’re not lying flat in bed. You can get plug ins like the Vicks comforting vapors with essential oils. The menthol one can be used from 36 months, or the Rosemary and Lavender can be used from 3 months old or when the baby is 4.5kg or more. Let them rest when they can, forget the routine and grab some rest for yourself when they finally sleep.
For you
Draft in some help if you can, even if your child wants only you, someone else can cook for you, get the shopping in or just make you a cuppa and listen to your woes. I’ve been giving Vicks First Defence spray a try, if I start sneezing a lot, or feel a tickle at the back of my throat, and so far it’s working. I don’t think I have the time to get ill at the moment. Pretty much most days I feel like I have something coming, but it doesn’t develop into anything.
If all else fails
Bubbles. Instant distraction and they can’t help but be mesmerised.
What are your tricks for coping when a child is ill? Do you have a magic formula that works?
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