However, when you're a mother, nursing is an inevitable part of the job from time to time, so you'd better learn to make the best of it. My natural inclination is to tire of sick people after a day or so and become impatient, and it's taken me many years to learn the art of nursing (and I still haven't "arrived"). I guess it comes down to the fact that caring for others is unselfish business, and therefore is not natural.
These are a few things that I have (slowly) learned over the years.
Stay home.
I've found that children want their mommies when they're sick. Even the big kids feel better when Mom is nearby, attentive to their needs. Whenever possible, I cancel all plans and appointments when a child is sick.
Make chicken soup.
Old wives' tale? Maybe, but I don't think so. There's just something about a hot bowl of soup that is comforting. Isn't there scientific research that supports the health benefits of chicken soup? (Lots of hot tea helps too!)
Remotes in a baggie.
I forget where I read this tip (old issue of Family Fun magazine?), but it is a practical one. Put all remote controls in a zip-up baggie. This allows the sickie to operate the electronics, but keeps the germs off the remotes. (Well people can retrieve them when the germy person opens the bag.)
Even though it is no fun to be sick, it can be a time of bonding and special memories. Being pampered, cool washcloth on a hot forehead, tender words, reading stories...all serve to make the sick one feel loved and cared for. (Note: It is also important to be left alone when that is your desire. Sometimes you don't even feel like answering, "How are you feeling?" I am one of those people who prefers to hibernate when I am sick. Just check to make sure I'm breathing from time to time.)
Allow siblings to serve.
It is a time for the siblings to learn compassion and servitude. How can we make the sick one more comfortable? Can we do her chores? Feed her guniea pig? Get her a glass of water? Put a DVD in the player?
And it always helps to have your own personal nurse, don't you think? :-)
Great sick-house routine. I find sick times very stretching. Normal times (trying enough in and of themselves!) look so very good when viewed from the far side of nursing the sickies. We're on a 12 week roll of health, here (I cringe just typing that...viruses may be lurking as I sit here!) so I'm counting my blessings.
ReplyDeleteGod's own true nurse is she who knows
ReplyDelete"By constant watching, wise"
Just where the scalding current flows
That, hid from casual eyes,
Makes life an arid wilderness.
Then does the true nurse bless.
For she, without the noise of words
Most lovingly will do,
Till, like the song of happy birds,
The joy of ease pours through
That which was arid wilderness --
So does the true nurse bless.
And when the spirit drifts afraid
To strange and unknown lands,
Then does the true nurse, undismayed
(Her dear love understands),
Follow and comfort and caress --
So does the true nurse bless.
O Nurse, God-given, your ministry
Is something all divine;
With all you do, in all you be,
His love will intertwine
The gold threads of His gentleness -
So will His true nurse bless.
(Amy Carmichael -- Rose From Brier)
Kathy, I know what you mean about the "stretching"! Sickness inevitable comes at a "bad" time (when is a good time?) and is inconvenient. It's so easy think of what we're *not* able to be doing. That's why I need His help to be unselfish.
ReplyDeleteFrances, what a beautiful poem! I have never read that before. What a picture of a servant!
I find myself of a similar temperament when faced with another's sickness. I'm supportive and sympathetic for about the first day.
ReplyDeleteWith my son, I've found it helpful to have a small inexpensive stash of toys, books, or videos that he hasn't seen before. I have also been known to stash away a Christmas or birthday present that he doesn't initially seem too keen on. Seeing the present again later, or having a new item, can make the times of being restful more bearable. Especially if you have a little one like mine who doesn't want to rest, no matter how poorly he feels!
some great ideas there--and i can certainly identify w/the "un-nurselike" qualities of selfishness and impatience.
ReplyDeletegreatly entertained,as always,by your humor and unique expression. thanks! (becca looks very professional and very cute in her nurse's uniform!)
Love Bekah's nurse uniform...so sweet! Maybe she'll be the one of us who actually becomes a nurse, although, like you said, being a mother gives much opportunity to practice the skills. I'll have to show this to Maddie as she loves to serve her brothers (and Daddy) when they are sick.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, the "remote in a baggie" is a great idea! It would have been very handy in our house, since our sick bed has always been the couch as well.
ReplyDeleteI also firmly believe in having "sick days." There's so much pressure to just give the kids lots of non-drowsy medicine and push them through their schedules. Sick kids need to rest and make memories of being snuggled up and tucked in.
What a great idea to put the remotes in a baggie! Another homeshcool mom told me about a natural anti-viral called Elderberry Extract. I usually get everyone on it when I hear of a virus going around. It comes in caps. form or tea bags. For my little one I break one open and mix it with jelly and give her this throught the day. It really helped this week when a virus presented its ugly head here. One family member came down with it, one was mildly affected and the rest have been stayed well. Anything that could possibly ward off a stomach flu is a good thing in my opinion.
ReplyDelete