The Mom's Book of Worries

Last night as we traveled home both our little darlings were snotting and miserable. I always hate to see my babies sick! And I know they have to be miserable when they get the body aches.

Some common sense mixed with medical fact...

The old standby of chicken noodle soup is the way to go for most stuffy heads. The warmth and steam will help loosen it up! For adults add in extra pepper! (Works for me!)

For sore throats go soft, but avoid just giving them ice cream. Scrambled Eggs, soups, oatmeal. For a cough that won't stop, try Honey! Swirl into hot tea at night to help them drift off to sleep.

Honey Stick From Aunt Kelly

The adage about starving a fever is a big no no! In fact our bodies need more calories when we have a fever, not less! Slip in extra calories wherever you can. Mash up bananas in peanut butter, powdered milk in the mac n cheese, even try fruit smoothies instead of plain ice cream.

Saltines are great for upset tummies of any age, and yogurt is usually fine. Popsicles are your best tool and can be homemade with real fruit juices.

Sugar should be avoided during sickness and recovery. It actually causes inflammation and can make you feel worse. So avoid fast food favs after an illness and try to get them eating grains, veggies and lean proteins.

Do your kids love mushrooms? They are natural viral attackers and can shorted the life of some flu viruses. (Read this article for more than ever wanted to know.)

Want something other than food tips? Steamy showers, warm washcloths for the face, vapor rubs (Try rubbing on the soles of the feet and applying socks to lessen coughing at night!) Saline irrigation, and aromatherapy steam sessions like adding Eucalyptus (which is known to open up bronchial tubes, ease congestion, and make breathing easier) or fresh ground ginger to a sink full of steamy hot water and leaning over with a towel draped around your head to capture the steam.

Go at their pace when your kids are sick. Try to let them have what their bodies are craving but limit sugar and replace with healthy calories. Let them play for little bursts and try to keep them at rest whenever possible. They'll appreciate the tender loving care. (Maybe when they're older) ;)