If there were a way tokeep your kids in a bubble so they never get harmed or sick most parents wouldjump at the opportunity. However, the truth is, no matter how much you want toprotect your kids, there is always a possibility that they could end up sick orhurt. Germs and bacteria roam freely at daycare centers and elementary schoolscausing all types of illnesses while a trip to the park or playing sports couldresult in an injury. The best thing you can do when your kid is sick or injuredis nursing them back to health. Below, are a few suggestions on how to dothis.
Assess the Situation
The first thingyou want to do is assess the situation to determine the severity. If you noticeyour newborn seems to be running warm and isn’t eating much, this could be thesign of an illness coming on. If they’re vomiting or won’t keep anything down,it is something more severe that needs immediate medical attention. On theother hand, if your kid comes in from playing outside with a scratch on theirarm you can patch that up with some ointment and a bandage. If they broke theirleg, got burned, twisted, or pulled a muscle then they may need furthertreatment.
Decide if They Need toSee a Doctor
There are certain redflags that let you know right away that your child needs to see a doctor. Iftheir fever is over 102 degrees for more than a few hours despite providingthem with medication, they may need to see a doctor. If they fell down and aresuddenly having a hard time applying pressure on their arm or leg, they needemergency services. If this is the case, immediately contact their primary carephysician or take them to the local hospital.
Follow the Doctor’sOrders
At your doctor orhospital visit, your child will be evaluated, tested, and diagnosed. No matterwhat the diagnosis is, it is imperative to their well-being and fast recoverythat you follow the instructions provided by the doctors. Whether this meansfilling prescriptions, sticking to a certain diet, or going for surgery.
Home Comfort
After your child hasbeen seen by the doctor (if it was deemed necessary) it’s your turn to pitch into help them get better. It will be important to try and make their homeenvironment as comfortable as possible. Below are a few tips to make the spacecomfortable for your child:
- Clean the Room – An unkempt room can make it challenging for your child to heal,especially if they have a sickness. Their immune systems are already weak andthe dust, bacteria, germs, and other items present can exacerbate theirsymptoms. Clean the room from top to bottom. Change the linens. Clean hardsurfaces with bleach or other disinfectant cleaners. Lastly, if possible, openthe windows to allow some fresh air in. Also, be sure to clean common areaslike the bathroom and kitchen frequentlyso no one else gets sick.
- Comfy Clothes – A sick kid is also an irritable kid. Meaning everything can geton their nerves fairly quick. This includes the clothes they have on. Try tofind some comfortable pajamas for them to wear. Also, if they need specializedclothing like AFO socksafter getting surgery, be sure to have those on hand as well.
- Right Temperature – Keeping the room at a comfortable temperature is also ideal. Asyour child is sick the temperature may need to fluctuate. If they’re sufferingfrom the flu with a high fever, for example, they may want the room cooler. Butif they’re dealing with a cold and feel chills, they may want the room to bewarmer.
- Healthy Food – Their bodies are fighting to heal and you can best help it bymaking sure they’re eating healthy. If there are strict diet instructions fromyour doctor, be sure to follow that advice. Otherwise, feeding them things highin vitamin C, antioxidants, and protein are all beneficial for helping them torecover faster.
- TLC – At the end of the day your little one doesn’t like being sick.As a result, they may be a bit more clingy to mom and dad. Try to understandand provide them with some extra tender, love, and care.You can cuddle with them (as long as they’re not contagious), read them a book,get them water, watch television with them, or just sit in the room so they’renot alone.
No parent wants to hear thenews that their child is sick or injured, but it’s a common occurrence and afact of life. The best thing you can do for your children when things like thisarise is to stay calm and follow the advice above. In doing so you make surethey get the best care possible which enhances their healing process. It won’tbe long before they’re back to their happy, jovial selves.