OK so if you have kids, then you've been through it, having a sick kid.  It is no fun at all. You just feel so sorry for them because you just cannot do anything to help.  So all weekend long E. had a fever of 102-103.  Nothing was hurting and the only thing I noticed was a hacking cough.  This started on Saturday.  So Saturday he rested and slept, and Sunday it was the same thing.  High fever and lots of rest.  Yet, in the midst of it all the kid still had enough energy to bounce of the walls.  So how can you be prepared for a sick kid.  Well you can never be prepared but here are a few tips.

Gatorade

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You cannot go wrong with Gatorade.  It keeps fluid in their bodies and gives them some electrolytes and it keeps them hydrated.  I can't for the life of me get my kid to drink water when he is sick but Gatorade does the trick.  Luckily, most convenience stores have drive thru so it's OK if you are in your PJs with your hair in a ponytail and no make up.

Movies

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Movies are a lifesaver make sure you have a great stock of kids movies on hand in the house or saved on your DVR or your Netflix subscription is up to date because that is the only way you are going to get your kids to sit still and lie down and rest.

Books

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I know having some books on hands kept my kid lying down and resting.  I went and crawled into bed with him and read him books until he fell asleep.

Children's Tylenol/Ibuprofen

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When fighting a fever these are always, always, always good to have in the house because you can switch out the two every four hours and it controls the fever.

Soup

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I was unprepared this weekend when it came to food.  It is always a good idea to keep some soup in the house.  Its easy on the stomach and at least you are getting a little bit of food into their little bodies.

Humidifier

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I'll admit I don't own a humidifier (at least I didn't until yesterday).  Once I put a humidifier in his room it made all the difference.  He did feel better.  He also reminded me that I needed to get some more distilled water today.

Cold Wash Cloths or Similar Cool Pack

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I know in today's world you can buy fancy animal cool packs for kids.  Yeah, I don't have one of those so I keep a cool wash rag ready at a moment notice top put on his head to help with the fever.

Talk to you child about what is going to happen at the doctor's office.

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I always have a conversation before we go into the doctor to prepare him.  Otherwise, the surprise of what might happen is too much.   I let him know that they will probably stick a swab in the back of your throat, and one up your nose to test to make sure you don't have something yucky.  They will look in your mouth, eyes and ears, and they will listen to your heart.  If you are sick enough they might even need to give you a shot (if they do, we'll go get ice cream).  Once he knows what will happen he's calm about the visit.  Talk with your kids before and it might just keep them calm.

So that's a few things I do when I have a sick child.  What are some of the things you do to keep your child comfortable.

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