A guest post from Stephanie Lynch.
Having kids often means a few sick nights in their lifetime. If it hasn’t happened yet or maybe it’s happening right now, there are some things you can do to make life a bit easier. I have two boys under the age of six, and I just wanted to share a few pro tips you may want to implement to make life a lot easier.
Prepare for the night
If you know your child is going to be sick before even going to bed, make sure you have a large bucket nearby and another in the bathroom. The larger the bucket is, the easier the cleanup will be. We all know kids can’t aim well, especially if they are younger. If they are scared of the dark, keep the lights on for the night so they are able to see where they are going.
Talk to them
Older children will be able to understand commands a lot easier than a two year old. For those who have children older than five, let them know they should attempt to throw up in the toilet, not the bed. Reiterate the bed should be the very last place they want to be sick. If they can’t make it to the bathroom or the bucket, tell them to try to at least make it to the tile or wood flooring. This will also make cleanup easier, trust me.
Don’t fight it
Most of the times, sick kids won’t go to bed voluntarily, so don’t force it. Since there’s a good chance they won’t attend school in the morning, let them get into some comfy PJs and allow them to snuggle with you for the night. Once they fall asleep on their own, you can take them to bed. Whatever you do, don’t let them sleep in your bed or on the couch unless you want to clean up the mess a few hours later.
Praise
Kids will refuse to be sick if they don’t have to; however the time will come, and if it doesn’t, don’t yell or get mad. Instead, praise them, especially if they are able to do it in their bucket, the bathroom or the tile flooring. Remember, kids loved to be praised and don’t feed well off negative energy.
Know how to wash
Chances are your children won’t be able to make it to the toilet or the wood floor every time, and that’s fine. While it will be more work for you, don’t fret it. Before you even consider throwing the clothes and sheets in the washer, it’s probably a good idea to hose it down in the backyard to remove any residue that may be left over. If you don’t perform this hose down, you may have some unpleasant smells in the washing machine. Once hosed down, use more detergent than usual and use the highest setting possible.
Have water readily available
Allowing your child to drink water after being sick can keep the dry heaving at a minimum and will also keep them replenished as they are losing fluids. If your child isn’t fond of drinking water, consider something sweeter such as Gatorade. Aside from water, make sure you have a spare change of clothes and damp washcloth at your disposal for easier cleanup.
Plan on staying up late
Putting your kids to bed sick will almost guarantee them waking up late at night. If you’re a night owl, consider staying up and listening to them as this will make it a lot easier for you to be by their side.
Yes, sick kids aren’t fun, and even with these tips, it still won’t be fun, but it can make life a lot easier.
Stephanie Lynch is the co-founder of Howmuchisit.org, a cost-helping database designed to help consumers find out what thousands of unknown things cost in life.
Leave a Reply