Are you ready for a sick day?

By Helen Williams, The 15-Minute Mom

”Sick days” are inevitable and somewhat unpredictable when you have a child. Preparing for a sick day when you and your kids are healthy will make dealing with them a whole lot easier especially if it’s you who is sick!

Getting Ready

A sick day plan is essential whether you are a stay at home mom or you work out of the house. If working from home is an option, make sure you have what you need to get your work done. Can’t work from home or be at home? Have a friend or family member ready to jump in when you (or the school secretary) calls. If you don't have a plan, now is the time to make one.

Sick-Day Box

Running to a store with a sick child is not easy and sometimes not possible. Why not prepare a "Sick Day Box" in advance? Just fill a container (we use a small rubbermaid container) with the usual sick day supplies - medicinal remedies, soda crackers, chicken noodle soup, ginger ale, a hot water bottle, a “bucket,” tissues, and some activities for the kids (colouring books, crayons etc). Keep some popsicles hidden away in the freezer too! Don't forget to restock your box after the fact.

Be Creative

Make the "queasy stomach" experience a little less fearful for your child by having him decorate his own colourful, sand bucket in advance with stickers and permanent markers.

Get liquids into your child with a special "sick" cup - a funky straw cup, special tea cup, or Mom's morning coffee mug are all great options.

Or try a token system - each drink earns a small prize at the end of the day. Keep some small prizes in your sick day bin!

Stay connected with "walkie-talkies" when you can't be at your child's side. A small bell will also work well!

Make it Special

Extra attention from Mom on a "sick day" goes a long way towards recovery. So don't be afraid to fuss a little. If someone else is taking care of your child, phone once or twice or prepare a little get-well card for him to open during the day.