Helping Your Child Weather the Common Cold and Other Illnesses

"It's that time of year again," says someone in a sing-songy voice as they refer to the cold and flu season. Or the words, "Everyone is going to get it, your kids are next, you know." It sounds like they're almost happy about it. Those are words you definitely do not want to hear and most of all do not want to see come into your home. Do you cringe when you here that tell-tale cough coming from your little ones. Or how about the runny nose and sneezing that sometimes precedes sickness. Time to get the medicine, humidifiers, cool rags and blankets out. It's miserable to have your kids get sick but there are some simple and even fun things you can do to help ease the discomfort and provide a much needed distraction. Here are some suggestions:

First,

Go to library get a big stack of books.
Go to video store and rent one comedy, one action/adventure and one sci-fi - let your child choose the order you watch them.
Go to arts and crafts store and start a project that can be worked on from the comfort of the sofa.
If your child is the right age get a big stack of new coloring books and a fresh new box of crayons. sit down and color with them.
If there is a video game system you don't own, go to the video store and rent it along with two or three games you think your child might enjoy.
Get a notebook and have your child write a story.

Second,

As the parent stay together and be prepared. Without a doubt it is going to run its way through the whole family. Prepare meals ahead for the whole week and freeze them. Don't put the pressure on to have a 3 course meal. Distress your home as much as possible and remember this is only a season and it will soon be over. You might even put a budget together for times like this an emergency food fund while the household is out of commission. You might even let some friends and family know so they could help with some extra things you need done around the house like, laundry, a meal, taking the healthy kids to school or even running to the grocery store. This year try to make the "sick season" a more enjoyable and relaxing one.