Posted by mushrooms on Nov 16, 2008 in Main
Colds, coughs and sore throats are uncomfortable. Braces that have just been tightened or adjusted hurt. Scrapes, bumps, and bruises sting and throb. Vomitting is awful. Shots hurt. Splinters, pinched fingers, hangnails, blisters, cat scratches … the list of minor kids’ complaints and discomfort is very long.
There are several excellent products on the market that can be used for every single symptom on the list:
- Slurpees, SlushPuppies, ICEEs. These are excellent for anything, but especially coughs, sore throats and braces. This category includes Jello, KoolAid, ginger ale, popsicles and ice cream. Fevers respond well to these as well. Many kids can eat a Popsicle even if they can’t hold any other food down.
- BandAids, particularly those with the kid’s favorite characters. Precede the bandaid with a thorough washing of the area, dry it carefully, and put a bandaid on. It may be well worth the cost of expensive bandages for quick recoveries. One may also draw on a bandaid with a safe marker.
- Plastic bag with ice in it. The ice will probably never rest on the injury, but will entertain the patient until the pain has faded.
- Bubble bath. Good for fevers, and coughs.
- Showers are good for coughs.
Important notes:
- To be effective, access to these powerful cures should be limited to times of need. The kid that drinks KoolAid every day won’t be soothed with it.
- The true value of these treatments is in the care applied as they are distributed. It only takes a minute to soak a washcloth in soapy water, wipe a scrape, dry it carefully and decorate it. That time is important.
- The use of any form of liquid for a sick child is important. Fluids are almost always valuable in helping a child recover or avoid further distress.
- This is not intended as a replacement for appropriate medical care.
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