How to Blast the "Sick Day Blues"

QUADRUPLETS...

Life can be extremely challenging with multiples (especially 4!), but there are some obvious added benefits. One of them being that they learn how to share EVERYTHING at an early age. And by "share everything", I mean~ pass around every single germ known to mankind. Awww, isn't that sweet?!

NO.

No, it's not.

We try our very best to prevent colds and flu from entering our house (See my previous post: Tips for Staying Healthy During Cold/Flu Season), but sometimes kids are going to get sick no matter what.

Here is how sickness usually attacks the Steece Family:

 

One child begins coughing/sneezing (usually Ben)...

 

 

...then brother #2 gets sick, followed by sister, and finished off with brother #3 feeling puny as well. It is actually easier when they all get sick at one time--- as opposed to drawing it out over 2-3 weeks. (That is THE. WORST.)

 

 

Welcome to the Steece Family Sick Ward, y'all!

It is a completely different story when only ONE child is sick and stays home from school to spend the day with Mama. I try to make it as special as possible~ because one-on-one time is a rarity (especially with multiples) and the kids soak it up, as you can imagine. Precious, precious time spent with one child. I know many of you can relate.


Just  this week, we have been hit hard with the flu (yes, despite all having the flu shot...Grrrrrr) and bilateral ear infections. FUN TIMES!


Here are some ways that I have tried to make our "sick days" special:


1. You get to pick out a treat, any treat you want...

 

Ben picked out his very own mini-sized Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream and that smile reappeared in no time (despite those poor, feverish eyes)!

 

 

 

Andrew was NOT a fan of his painful, antibiotic injection (can you blame him?!), but he instantly turned that frown upside down when offered a tasty treat of his choice...no matter how sugary. Those are the rules... (You had better believe I was cringing inside! Ha)

 

 

And sometimes, the whole crew gets to choose a treat! Like after Andrew's 3rd antibiotic injection! (It has been a LONG week, folks!)

2. A cozy night of snuggling with Mom in the guest room...

When a child is sick (vomiting, wheezing, etc.), I like to keep a close eye on him/her. Our kiddos have slept in their own beds from day one, so they view this "sleepover" as an extremely special treat! It just might involve falling asleep to a DVD or two. It also makes it easier for Mom to roll over and administer a breathing treatment in the middle of the night.

 3. Play time on ipods

 

I'm very strict with the amount of time my kids spend on electronic devices. I only let them use their ipods when we are in waiting rooms or doctors offices, etc. On sick days, anything goes!

 

4. Movies, movies, movies

 

Our family LOOOVES movies! We've been taking the kids to theaters since they were 2 years old. When one of my babies is sick, I usually stop and let him/her pick out a DVD rental.

(Sick little Savi, on our way home after dropping off the boys at school)

 

 

The sick child will get to pick out whichever DVD he wants to watch---without the input of 3 other pesky siblings. That would put a smile on any quadruplet's face!

The sick day blues seem to magically fade away with these various activities, oh- and lets not forget the importance of modern medicine! We like to use Mucinex Cold & Cough to relieve our Cold & Flu symptoms. Within hours, those smiles start reappearing.

Children's Mucinex is the #1 children's brand for relieving congestion* and provides fast acting relief from your child's worst cold symptoms. Try Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold if your child needs relief from stuffy nose and chest congestion. Always use Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold as directed. (*Based on IRI unit share data for the 52 weeks ending November 2012)

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Stay tuned for my 3rd post about Favorite Sick Day Meals. Share yours with me and I'll do the same!

What is your favorite meal when under the weather?
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