It is that time of the year again when germs and colds are everywhere we go. As a parent, I find it overwhelming sometimes when the whole family seems to come down with a cold. Here's my top tips on surviving the sniffles.
1. Throughout the winter always keep the cupboard stocked up with cold and flu remedies and medicine. Then whenever you all suddenly come down with something you are already fully stocked, just keep an eye on the use by dates.
2. Get plenty of Vitamin C. Also remember as much as any of you may not feel like eating, you should "feed a cold and starve a fever". Forget any diets and fill up for energy!
3. Don't be ashamed or reluctant to drink a lemsip to kick start your day, particularly if the children are poorly too. Get yourself in a semi- decent way so you are better prepared for your clingy child that needs their Mummy for much needed comfort.
4. Indulge in the cuddles. The housework can wait; so can the washing. Snuggle up with the kiddies and have a blanket/ duvet and film day. If a play date or play groups need cancelling, then so be it. Yours and the children's health is more important to focus on for now as after plenty of rest, you will all soon be on your feet full of energy for whatever you have had to put on hold. Plus it is really nice to get those cuddles in, especially if they don't seem to cuddle you any more usually.
5. Children will become very sensitive souls and cry a lot, at small things. My eldest cried at losing a bed sock in his bed one night. Just go with it. You've seen what men are like during their man flu states. Try not to overreact to any of it. Remember this is all a big deal to them, (the children that is!)
6. Their appetite may be off so try to consider this at meal times and perhaps let them be fussy for a few days.
7. Nap when you can and let them nap. Their usual routines and bedtimes will go back to normal before you know it. They will naturally want more rest in the day and less sleep at night due to sore throats/ coughs/ temperature/ not being able to breathe properly, so make sure you all sleep and rest when you can during the day.
8. Toys won't seem as appealing. Indulge them with TV for distraction or download some educational iPad games for them to snuggle up and play.
9. At night don't feel bad about giving them some Calpol, remember they don't have the tools to say their throat or head hurts so give them some before bed for their comfort and wellbeing. Also don't forget that baby Vapour Rub and Olbas Oil are amazing!
10. One of my best buys has to be the Calpol night light plug in. It acts as a nice bright blue night light with these vapour sticks you pop in that usually last around 8 hours, helping your baby to breathe. I would recommend this to people with or without children, as I have often used it for myself even when the boy's airwaves were clear.
11. Keep fluids up. They won't like it but make sure that they drink and drink, especially if they are having a coughing fit. If they do not want a drink, try an ice pop or lolly. It will give them a bit of energy, cool them down and hydrate them.
12. Be patient. This will soon be over. All you need is love and cuddles.
1. Throughout the winter always keep the cupboard stocked up with cold and flu remedies and medicine. Then whenever you all suddenly come down with something you are already fully stocked, just keep an eye on the use by dates.
2. Get plenty of Vitamin C. Also remember as much as any of you may not feel like eating, you should "feed a cold and starve a fever". Forget any diets and fill up for energy!
3. Don't be ashamed or reluctant to drink a lemsip to kick start your day, particularly if the children are poorly too. Get yourself in a semi- decent way so you are better prepared for your clingy child that needs their Mummy for much needed comfort.
4. Indulge in the cuddles. The housework can wait; so can the washing. Snuggle up with the kiddies and have a blanket/ duvet and film day. If a play date or play groups need cancelling, then so be it. Yours and the children's health is more important to focus on for now as after plenty of rest, you will all soon be on your feet full of energy for whatever you have had to put on hold. Plus it is really nice to get those cuddles in, especially if they don't seem to cuddle you any more usually.
5. Children will become very sensitive souls and cry a lot, at small things. My eldest cried at losing a bed sock in his bed one night. Just go with it. You've seen what men are like during their man flu states. Try not to overreact to any of it. Remember this is all a big deal to them, (the children that is!)
6. Their appetite may be off so try to consider this at meal times and perhaps let them be fussy for a few days.
7. Nap when you can and let them nap. Their usual routines and bedtimes will go back to normal before you know it. They will naturally want more rest in the day and less sleep at night due to sore throats/ coughs/ temperature/ not being able to breathe properly, so make sure you all sleep and rest when you can during the day.
8. Toys won't seem as appealing. Indulge them with TV for distraction or download some educational iPad games for them to snuggle up and play.
9. At night don't feel bad about giving them some Calpol, remember they don't have the tools to say their throat or head hurts so give them some before bed for their comfort and wellbeing. Also don't forget that baby Vapour Rub and Olbas Oil are amazing!
10. One of my best buys has to be the Calpol night light plug in. It acts as a nice bright blue night light with these vapour sticks you pop in that usually last around 8 hours, helping your baby to breathe. I would recommend this to people with or without children, as I have often used it for myself even when the boy's airwaves were clear.
11. Keep fluids up. They won't like it but make sure that they drink and drink, especially if they are having a coughing fit. If they do not want a drink, try an ice pop or lolly. It will give them a bit of energy, cool them down and hydrate them.
12. Be patient. This will soon be over. All you need is love and cuddles.
Have you got any handy tips for beating the sniffles in your household? Pop a comment below, I'd love to hear from you.
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