HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHILD FEEL BETTER WHEN SICK
Since the schools returned after the summer of 2021, our children have experienced a lot more bouts of sickness in comparison to last year. With the easing of restrictions and the natural results of children mixing with other children and environments, this has played havoc on some immune systems. The frequency of Covid tests and keeping a sick child at home with symptoms will continue to be part of our lives for the moment, which has created many additional challenges for families.
Whether your child has suffered from the common coughs and colds, viral or bacterial infections or worse, it’s always hard to see our children sick. As a mum of 3 children, we have had our fair share of ailments so I want to share a few tips with you to help you get through the winter months if you have a sick child!
Read on to learn more on the below:
Tips to make a child feel more comfortable when sick at home
What helps relieve a stuffy nose/a high temperature?
When should you call the doctor if your child is sick?
What kind of food/drinks should you offer a child when they are sick?
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and do not have a medical background – any medical advice that I refer to has been provided has been referenced. If you have urgent concerns for your child’s health, contact your GP or consult the HSE website.
How to make your child feel better when they are sick
Tips to make a child feel more comfortable when sick at home
When your child is sick it can be stressful or upsetting for both the child and the adults, all you want to do is make them better again and depending on the nature of the illness it may take a little time. Often our children might find it hard to show how they are feeling or express themselves so it’s finding ways of making it easier. I am very aware that parents and caregivers who are reading this know their own child best and know too what helps but if you are at a bit of a loss, what can you do to help your child feel more comfortable?
Provide physical and emotional support
Providing that extra bit of attention and being there and available to them with a little tender loving care can make all the difference, as we know ourselves when under the weather. Simple things like;
Feeling Cosy
Bringing the duvet and pillows to the couch to watch TV so they can be around the parents, but you can also keep an eye on them too while regularly checking that they have everything they need.
Feeling Calm
If they are a little distressed or uncomfortable, sit with them, read their favourite book, or just be present. Often when our children are overwhelmed or particularly upset they find it hard to calm, so if we are there by their side to ‘be their calm’ this will help regulate these feelings. The calmer and quieter the house is, the easier and more comfortable it will be for everyone.
Feeling Rested
Encourage your child to sleep when they can. Read your child a story or encourage them to listen to an audiobook to make it easier to fall asleep. As we know our children need as much rest as they can get.
Feeling Busy
Some children don’t lie on the couch like others! They may not have their usual energy levels, but they continue to be busy. If you are looking for some ideas for all ages of what you can do to help your child feel occupied but restful – check out my blog ‘keeping the kids busy during lockdown’.
Tips on relieving a stuffy nose or temperature for a child
Cough & Colds
As a mum of three, I have found a few approaches helpful over the years, for example when the children have had a heavy cold; to put a soothing balm on their chest and the soles of their feet at bedtime to make it a little easier to breathe, alternatively, capsules like ‘Klearvol’ that you can place on a muslin cloth by their pillow.
Raise their pillow slightly or place a rolled up towel under the mattress to elevate their head to again ease their breathing.
I have also used a natural nasal saline spray that relieves blocked and runny noses, I have found Stérimar Kids Congestion Relief most effective.
Humidifier
While I have never used a humidifier, dry air can make a cough or sore throat feel worse. Try using a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer to keep the air in your child’s room moist. This can help to reduce coughing, congestion and discomfort.
Relieving a high temperature
According to Consultant Paediatrician Professor Alf Nicholson who is based in Temple Street and is the National Clinical Lead in Paediatrics; in most cases, a temperature is a very useful symptom that something is wrong. It prompts the parent to watch carefully for other (more specific) signs of illness; however, if your child is under three months old and has a temperature, you should see a doctor immediately.
For babies and older children, if you are any way concerned about your child and their temperature, call your GP.
From a parent’s perspective I always give my children liquid paracetamol and liquid ibuprofen (always following the instructions provided) and keep the kids hydrated as mentioned below.
Speak to your pharmacist
I have always found it really helpful to go into my local chemist and ask to speak with the pharmacist, they can be so helpful on what to recommend when you outline your concerns.
As you know your own children best, you can probably tell when they are not feeling well, sometimes it’s more subtle than others. Sometimes we wonder what steps to take next, whether that is to treat them at home or when does it get to the point of calling the doctor?
I spoke to Paediatric Nurse Lynda Quigley (@nurselstyler) on when we should make that call:
When should you call the doctor if your child is sick?
First rule of thumb is always trust your gut, don’t be waiting on a temperature, if you feel your child is unwell seek help, as a parent you know him/her best!
As to when to call a doctor, every situation is different
Lynda’s Top Tip: Log/ write down anything that may help a doctor whether it’s the GP or a consultant one needs to attend, anything of note about the baby/child that may help with a diagnosis.
Here are some useful pointers from the HSE for babies and children for when you should call your GP or go to an Emergency Department.
What kind of food/drinks should you offer a child when they are sick?
Again to emphasise, you will know your own child best, what they like and dislike, so don’t hesitate to tune in to that.
Lynda shares that often we get so focused on our little one not eating when they are unwell.
Fluids
If they are drinking /keeping hydrated, whatever way you can get fluids into them, smoothies/ apple juice mixed with water/ ice pops but avoid milky drinks if they are vomiting as they can curdle in their tummies.
Note: what to keep an eye on if your child is hydrated?
A baby’s nappy will be wet and the colour of urine isn’t too dark, the paler the wee the more hydrated they are.
Keep an eye that their mouth and lips are not too dry either.
Food
Children will eat when they are ready, when they look for food, start off with dry crackers toast etc.
Resources
First Aid
If you are looking for an Irish First Aid course, I can highly recommend Siobhán Butler, paediatric nurse of First Aid for Everyone ( @firstaidforeveryone). She currently runs a 1 day basic first aid and a 1 day paediatric first aid class via zoom.
Check out a recent guest blog from Siobhan on what to do if your child is choking.
Books for Parents
A great go to for a parent or caregiver is an Irish book;
When your child is sick – what you can do to help by Professor Alf Nicholson & Gráinne O’ Malley
Covid 19
Stay up to date with the latest guidelines from the HSE for protecting yourself and your family from Covid 19
Books for Kids
If you are planning a hospital stay with your child, these few books may help them in their preparation
Going to the hospital by Anne Civardi
We’re going to the doctor – preparing for a check-up by Campbell Books
Maisie goes to hospital by Lucy Cousins
There is no one solution to when our children are sick, often, they just want us to keep it together, comfortable and make sure they are ok. One thing I always share with families, if they are looking to change something at home, whether that be focusing on a new sleep routine, managing behaviours, starting potty training and more, wait until your child is 100% feeling better, that way you avoid any false starts!
If you are feeling overwhelmed or facing challenges with your children, I am here to help. I offer tailored 1 to 1 parent support sessions or corporate parenting talks. Get in touch with me today at aoife@parentsupport.ie, I offer eLearning Parenting Courses on Positive Parenting and Managing Screen Time & Device Use which will help support you in the challenges you may be facing.