My daughter has an infection. You know the kind. The kind where you find yourself stuck waiting for hours in the after-hours clinic begging your child to pee in a cup.
Your eyelids are barely staying open from lack of sleep. Your child is screaming in the bathroom as you threaten life and limb and all kinds of hospital procedures hoping she will just give in and pee in the cup.
She doesn't. You call for reinforcements. They fail. You are back to begging and pleading. Then it happens. The thing you said you never would do as a parent. You start the bribery process.
"We will stop and get you a shake afterwards"
"NOOOOOOOOOOO"
"We can go by the mall and get your dog new sunglasses"
"NOOOOOO! I want to go home."
"We can go see Mimi and Maddie"
She gives in. Not even a quarter full. You pray it is enough as you head back to the room as other parents stare at your incompetence as a parent. Not to mention the line for the bathroom and the evil looks since your were in there for 45 minutes doing the begging process. Yes, I did resort to bribing and so was my day at the doctors. I now pray that I will not have to ever be seen in that clinic again after the embarrassment.
When frustrations rise and mix with lack of sleep, it is easy to forget how to deal with sick children. I can't tell you how many parents I witness in the waiting room sitting in the zombie state as their children ran out of control. How do you deal with a sick child?
Stay calm
Take deep breaths. Do whatever it takes to remain calm. Remember there are your offspring. Most times, your children do not even realize how they are acting. They are tired too and just not their normal self. You stressing will only fuel their bad attitude.
Be Prepared
Plan ahead. Ask when your appointment is made what procedures may be done to your child. If they need a urine sample, load them up with liquids and prepare your child for what that entails. Read books about going to the doctor if you have to before leaving. Try to schedule around nap times so that your child isn't exhausted during the exam. Most likely they will be anyway because of the sickness.
Pack for the doctor
I know at this point you are barely functioning, but this is an essential step. I can't tell you how many times my life could have been easier if I would have just packed well. There is nothing worse then long waits with nothing for a kid to do. This is where the trouble starts. Pack colors and books, electronic handheld games, a lovey or blankie and snacks. Also pack any medications your child is taking. I am the worse at forgetting names when I finally get to talk with the doctor.
Be informed
You are asked a huge amount of questions in a small amount to time. With the sleep deprivation, you may lose the information. Write down ahead of time the fevers, eating habits, bowel movements, etc. Keep a notebook and every time you take a temperature, write down the time and degrees. Your doctor will be impressed with your organization. Also have any allergies included as a reminder.
Bribery is ok
It is ok to spoil your child when they are sick. Who doesn't need to be taken care of and showed love more? My mom always bought me a coloring book and crayons after doctor visits. My own doctor handed out gum. It is ok to do just be prepared to follow through with your impulse promises. Be sure to offer movies or quiet activities so that they can rest up for the remainder of the day.
These are just a few tips. Be sure to stock up when you stop and get medicines on essentials such as juices, soups and comfort items. Enjoy loving on your child during this time and make them feel special. It won't be long until your child is back to normal and you have regained sleep.
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