Now that we have gotten through the back to school transition at home (my kids went back this week on August 29th), the next thing on my list is to start preparing our home for the inevitable cold and flu season. Once the cooler weather (and the school, sports and other activities) arrive, so will the sniffles, the fevers, the aches, etc. Getting the home ready early will save me a lot of headaches, some of them literally, I think.
Get the Sick Day Supply
Because sick days may mean that no one is going anywhere, it is really helpful to have everything on hand and at the ready. There is nothing worse that having to put a vomiting kid in the car so you can go get that fever medication. Here are some of the items that I keep stocked, and some more that you might choose to add.
Children’s pain/fever reducer (And call ahead to the doctor if you don’t know the right dosage for your child)
Thermometers (both rectal and oral)
Tissues (both lotion and non lotion) and extra toilet paper
Masks (by the time the kids come down with something, I figure that I already have it, but masks might help prevent the spread of illness throughout the family or help you deal with trying to coax chunks of vomit down the sink)
Liquids including clear juice and electrolyte drinks
Canned soup, herbal tea (no caffeine), crackers, ginger-ale, and some simple meals in the freezer.
Keep the House Tidy
While summer days tend to see things run a little lax, I start running a tight ship in the fall and the winter. Having the dishes done and the house picked up makes it so much easier to deal with the chaos of illness.
It is especially important to make sure that the laundry, blankets and bedding are clean and ready, since you may have to switch it out more frequently.
Don’t forget to add extra cleaning supplies to your stockpile, including disposable paper towels, surface disinfectant (convenient wipes are great when you are running around caring for your whole family), laundry detergent and dish soap, hand soap and hand sanitizer (so sick people don’t have to get up to wash their hands) and paper towels.