Sick Happens

Don’t spend *another* winter drowning in overwhelm, confusion and panic.

It’s entirely possible for you to respond with calm, clarity and confidence.

Get clear with The VIP Experience.

Spots are already taken: so be quick.

Link in bio.

Ahhhh salmon skin roll ✌🏻

Swipe across to read how Ross’ theory of UNAGI can help you stay calm when sick hits the fan >>>

How do you feel about handling sick kids? Terrified? Calm? Anxious?

Share with me below ⬇️

How to advocate for your family in an appointment in 5 steps >>>

PREPARE
> Start symptom tracking ASAP.
> Take photos and videos of your child’s symptoms or concerns.
> Write down all your questions.
> Take any research you think is worth chatting about.

TAKE SUPPORT
> Take a support person with you to help entertain your child (they can be super distracting).
> Take someone that will speak up for you if you are nervous doing this yourself.
> An extra person can help you remember what was said.

SPEAK UP
> Ask questions.
> Ask for clarification if you are confused.
> Ask for an explanation about what would happen if you try something else.

ASK FOR MORE
> Request a fact sheet.
> See if they have any resources for you to read.
> Ask for them to explain everything again if you are not sure.

FOLLOW UP
> Ask when they would like to see your child again.
> Ask what symptoms to look out for, and when to come back.

Advocation is not a dirty word.
Speak up.
Be kind.
Work as a team.

Save this post into your Sick Happens folder and whip it out before your next appointment 🤙🏻

Shivering with a fever: normal or not?

Well, the evidence is mixed.

Swipe to have a read >>>

Bottom line:

🤒 Fever management doesn’t change with rigors (AKA you don’t need to rush off to hospital when they are shivering).

🤒 Seek help like you normally would if your child has concerning symptoms.

🤒 Keep this info in the back of your mind if your parent instincts are alarming… and don’t forget to mention it to your Doctor if you see them.

Have you ever seen rigors?

Just going to leave this here >>>

Hands up if you’ve ever felt guilty when your child got sick?

I have.

But let me assure you, it not our fault.

Sick. Happens.

Tag your besties to pass on the comforting words

A fever checklist to save for the next time your child feels hot >>>

1️⃣ ASSESS FOR RED FLAGS.
> There are many red flags when dealing with fever in children.
> Much to contrary belief, the number is not one of them.
> Red flags include symptoms such as dehydration, non-blanching rashes, lethargy, pain and respiratory distress. It’s important to know what they are and continually assess and reassess your child throughout their febrile illness.

2️⃣ PRIORITISE FLUIDS
Dehydration is quick and easy for kids. It’s a situation you do not want to be in! Prioritise fluids over and above any solid foods.

3️⃣ PROVIDE COMFORT
Fevers can make little ones feel awful. Cuddles, extra rest and pain relief can be fab to help nurse them through the illness.

4️⃣ BE AWARE OF THE EXCEPTIONS
Newborns and kids with compromised immune systems need a different approach. These populations need medical attention a the first sign of a fever, where as the “general population” does not.

Tag your friends below to share the love ⬇️

The intense fear of vomiting.

The anxiety simply about the thought of vomiting.

The panic form even hearing the V word.

This is a very real phobia for lots of people, and it can become severely exacerbated when kids come along.

Because sick happens.
And boy does it happen a lot for kids.

You’re thrusted into coming face to face with your fears regularly, and the anticipation or the threat of being sick can happen on the daily.

Swipe across for some information about this condition >>>

If there are any psychologists or Doctors with a special interest that have any information to add, or correct me on, please comment below to make sure parents have the correct information.

Hands up if you have to deal with this? You’d be surprised how comforting it can be to find that others do too.

Take away the guess work and free yourself up for more important things, like endless snuggles on the couch.

The Medicine Tracker also can be purchased in a bundle with its BFF >>> The Multi-Tracker and whiteboard marker

Tag your friends to share this epic parenting product!

This is so UNHELPFUL. They are exactly the same.

I know! That’s kinda my whole point.

You’ll drive yourself *insane in the brain* trying to diagnose these two similar conditions based off symptoms alone. Because it’s impossible.

Instead of going loco, focus on these important steps instead >>>

1️⃣ Focus on hydration.
2️⃣ Assess & monitor for red flag symptoms.
3️⃣ Seek medical at the room when needed.
4️⃣ Stay home until symptoms resolve (yep, even if it’s *just* food poisoning)

Don’t overcomplicate things or stress yourself out unnecessarily.

If you want help learning how to do all of this, you need instant access to my online course Normal or Not. This course teaches you everythinggggg you need to know. Click the link in my bio for more info.

Hands up if you’ve ever anxiously googled these two conditions to work out which one it is??

What do I recommended for a home first aid kit?

I have two recommendations:

A minimalist version and:
An everything version.

Swipe across for my thoughts >>>

Obviously this is an opinion post: there is no “right” list for a first aid kit. It all depends on where you live, what access you have to healthcare services and supplies and how you like to prepare.

My fav first aid kits are from .firstaid and


My fav cool packs are from and the Ouchie Pouchie

Not sponsored or affiliated, just good quality, Australian Made companies.

Save this for later, and tell me in the comments what’s in your first aid kit?

What’s your approach to inevitable sickness in kids?

Do you feel panicked?

Do you constantly second-guess yourself?

Perhaps you have a “she’ll be right” approach.

You know what? All of these are ok.

Because how you *feel* is ALWAYS valid.

Feelings are all ok, but it’s what action you take *alongside* these feelings that matters.

> You can feel overwhelmed whilst still assessing your child.

> You can feel anxious whilst still troubleshooting through their symptoms.

> You can feel stressed and “out of your depth” whilst still knowing when it’s time to say home VS seek medical attention.

Having anxious thoughts and feelings does not make you incapable. Instead it allows you to lean-in to your instincts even more.

My online course Normal or Not teaches you how to trust your own instincts, and use these to your advantage.

You’ll know exactly what’s normal, what’s not, and when it’s time to seek medical attention when your child is sick.

Sign up today and learn how to channel those thoughts and feelings into confident and capable action to find that Sick Happens sweet spot 👊

If it’s clear, why can I still hear something?!

Swipe across for the full break down (hammer time style) >>>

Any questions? Hit me up in the comments

PART 2: Maximising the fun of spacers using play therapy.

Part 1 was all about how to use a spacer, this is all about *giving* the spacer, using play to avoid unnecessary fear, pressure or trauma.

Swipe for the quick version >>>

Head to the blog for the detailed version. Link is in my bio.

Any questions about using play to support kids through medical procedures, surgeries, medicines and more? Hit up Amanda from in the comments ↓

Spacers, puffers and kids.

Swipe across for the deets, and head to the blog for the detailed version! Links to videos, references and resources included.

On a side note: let’s just al pretend the random lines on page 3 & 4 are not there. I have had many colorful words with canva today, and let’s just say we aren’t in speaking terms right now.

Hands up if you give inhaled medicines to your child. Do you have any epic tips on giving them? Share away in the comments.

Part 2 is coming tomorrow = using play to maximize the fun with spacers and puffers.

Should I be concerned if my child has been sick 4 times in one month? 🤯

What about if they have had three admissions to hospital with bronchiolitis in the past year? 🤯🤯

What about if they have caught every illness under the sun, twice?! 🤯🤯🤯

All very valid questions.
All very complex answers.

The number isn’t *really* what you should be focusing on. Sure, it’s *part* of it, but there are other things to look out for (swipe to read) >>>

I’m sure there will be lots of questions, feel free to hit me up in the comments✍️

Do you freak out or get overwhelmed with rashes?

Most of us do, because it can be caused by a million different things. Well, maybe not a million, but a lot!

Swipe to learn how to think through viral rashes, and to learn from this wonderful parent in our Sick Happens community >>>

What rash have you had to deal with lately? Did you know what it was? Did you get answers? Or was it a general-umbrella-viral rash?

*Another* childhood virus?! Come on. Stop it already.

Yup. Another one.

But, because we all know to focus on the symptoms, *not* panic Google to come up with a diagnosis… we are all going to be approaching this illness with calm, right?

If you still freak out with any sort of rash or fever, now is the time to sign up to my online course: Normal or Not. This course will change the way you think about sicknesses in kids. It won’t stop your child getting sick, but it will transform how you approach inevitable sicknesses in kids. Which means you’ll start responding *without* fear, overwhelm or second guessing yourself.

Side note: non-blanching rash = a rash that does not disappear when pressed.

Drop me a 🖐️ if your child has had slapped cheek before >>>

Your RASH checklist

You unzip your little one from their sleep suit, pop them down to change their nappy, and discover a bumpy rash all over their tummy.

Here’s what to do if this happens to you 👉🏻

1️⃣ Press on it >>>

This is to work out whether the rash disappears temporarily under pressure. This is a good sign. A rash that does not disappear needs immediate attention.

2️⃣ Assess for other red flags >>>

Don’t get so distracted with a dark coloured rash, that you forget to look for other concerning symptoms of sickness in kids. Things like respiratory distress, dehydration and pain can all happen at the same times as a rash, and more often than not, these symptoms are far more concerning than the rash

3️⃣ Provide comfort >>>

Comfort can be overlooked. Cuddles, comfort, extra feeds, pain relief… these all provide comfort.

4️⃣ Troubleshoot symptoms >>>

Troubleshooting through your Childs symptoms allows you to make the decision to seek medical attention OR stay home.

This is 100% achievable with my online course Normal or Not. This course teaches you everything you need to know about rashes AND troubleshooting through your Childs symptoms.

No more second guessing.
No more overwhelm.
No more panic.

Just calm and confident decision making in the heat of the moment. Click the link in my bio to get instant access today.

Now tell me, what frightens you the most about rashes? The unknown? The fear? The should-I-or-shouldn’t-I see my doctor? Let me know👇🏻

Are gunky eyes always conjunctivitis?

Nope. Not always.

Swipe to read the deets >>>

Definitely save this one for later so that you have something to help guide you the next time your child has some gunky eyes.

Argh. They are all the same?!

How on earth am I supposed to know which virus is causing my child’s symptoms then?!

Don’t panic.

In most circumstances, you don't actually need to know the *specific* virus. This isn't really important when dealing with a viral respiratory illness.

Recognising and assessing your child's symptoms, however, IS the most important factor for parents.

WHY?

Because viral illnesses don't have a "treatment” AKA they cannot be cured with antibiotics. Rather, we treat, manage and continually assess your child’s SYMPTOMS.

So, instead of focusing your attention on trying to work out what virus is causing the symptoms, focus on these three things:

1. Learn how to assess your child’s symptoms.

2. Learn what symptoms are normal, and what ones are not.

3. Learn when it’s time to seek medical attention, and where to go for help.

ALL of these skills are taught inside my online course: Normal or Not.

Work smarter, not harder. Click the link in my bio to get instant access to the courses and start feeling prepared, not scared about inevitable sicknesses in kids.

To lighten the mood… let’s play a little game: pop the number of viral illness you’ve dealt with this year in the comments. I’ll start >>>

0. BUT, we were pretty much on house arrest for weeks in the lead up AND recovery from a tonsillectomy which was equivalent to 45 viral illnesses 🫠💀

What do you do if your child has a febrile convulsion?

> Lay them on a flat surface. You want to give them a safe space to let the body seize without causing any further damage (such as falling off a couch or bed).

> Do not put anything in their mouth, especially your fingers. If you are concerned about their tongue, dribble or vomit, roll them on their side.

> Watch the activity. Take note of what their body is doing so that you can explain these details to their doctor. Only take a video if you have support, or feel safe / comfortable to do so. Video is helpful, but your child’s safety is more important.

> Follow up with your child’s Doctor once they are safe, in order to see if they need any treatment for an underlying infection.

WHEN TO CALL an 🚑

> If it is their first febrile convulsion.

> If it lasts more than 5 mins

> If your child does not wake up, or is incredibly lethargic or unwell looking after the convulsion has stopped.

> If they are not breathing, or you need to commence CPR.

> If you are at all concerned for their safety. Do not for one second think you are over-reacting or wasting someones time.

Febrile convulsions and choking are probably the only Paediatric first aid topics you’ll see me chatting about (because on focus on sicknesses) so if you have questions, take this opportunity and pop them below👇🏻

A sick child’s timing is always impeccable.

Have you had a similar situation to this? I’d love to know what happened and how you handled it >>>

Todays childhood sickness *winner* is: school sores

Swipe across for the deets >>>

I forgot to include transmission. It’s caught by touching an infected sore OR touching something that has come into contact with a sore such as bedding, towels, clothes etc

Drop a “BINGO” in the comments if you’ve been lucky enough to have those one go through your home👇🏻

Strep A is not a new illness. But there have been more reported cases recently.

Swipe across for all the deets >>>

I know I talk about my course a lot, but it is honestly one of the *best* things you can do as a parent.

Instead of freaking out every time a new illness hits the headlines, wouldn’t you rather feel confident knowing how to assess your child, know what’s normal (and what’s not), and confidently know when it’s time to get help? All without second guessing yourself.

There’s no way you can remember the details of every single illness out there. Heck, even the healthcare professionals can’t! So give yourself and break.

Save yourself the stress, panic and overwhelm… and work smarter, not harder with my signature course: Normal or not.

It’s like downloading my brain, into yours.

Hand, foot and mouth. It’s kind of a parenting rite of passage.

Why?

Because it’s a supperrr common infection for kids.

For some, you may not even notice they’ve had the infection. For others, it’s stress, tears and a hospitalisation for managing their dehydration because the pain is unbearable.

Yep, it can be *that* serious.

A few ✌️fun✌️ HFMD facts:

> You can catch it multiple times.
> Adults CAN catch it
> Fingernails can literally fall off
> Hands and feet can peel for dayssss

Has your family had it? What surprised you?

Ah thermometers. A wonderful contraption to give us objective data about our child’s health… but also a whole lotta overwhelm when dealing with glitchy tech or contradictory information.

Swipe across for the deets >>>

Remember, these recommendations can vary from country to country, hospital to hospital. Lots of European countries routinely use re**al thermometers, however it’s not recommended here in Aus. So, listen to your own healthcare provider and do what feels right for you.

BOTTOM LINE
//
Choose the thermometer that is available to you, that is the least annoying for your child, that you can afford and stick with that one.

I don’t have any particular fav thermometer brands, but I have always used an underarm one. Please feel free to share your fav thermometer below to help everyone out 🌡️

Do you feel overwhelmed when switching between paracetamol and ibuprofen?

Do you wake up in the middle of the night and have no idea what time you last gave one?

Do you worry that you’ll accidentally give the wrong one because you are so sleep deprived with a sick little person?

Yep. Haven’t we all?!

If only there was an easy way to track medication doses…

Enter the Sick Happens Medicine Tracker

This magnet will help you keep track of every dose of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen you give your little one.

✔️ No more guessing
✔️ No more confusion
✔️ No more middle of the night staring blankly into space trying to remember

This tracker has all of the necessary information about dosages, and how often you can give these medications too little people. It is totally reusable, which means it is always ready to go whenever sickness or pain strikes in your home.

Take away the guess work and free yourself up for more important things like kisses and cuddles on the couch.

Childcare comes with a smorgasbord of new adventures, relationships and memories.

… as well as every illness under the sun.

Fun times.

Sick kids are inevitable.

Sick Happens.

Especially when they are around a million other Petri dishes I mean, other kids.

But it doesn’t have to be terrifying.

You *can* handle whatever childcare sickness gets thrown your way.

You just need to know how.

That’s where I come in.

My online course teaches you how to navigate through any symptom of sickness, and how to do it without second guessing yourself or anxiously consulting Dr Google.

Because it’s never a question of IF your child will get sick…it’s WHEN.

Get instant access now. Link in my bio.

Thinking and acting like a Nurse is entirely possible for you.

Because my ultimate goal is to teach you so well, that you don’t need me.

With Normal or Not, you will learn HOW to think, not WHAT to think.

>>> There’s a *big* difference.

There’s no cookie cutter approach in Normal or Not. Instead, I teach you what’s normal for kids, what’s not, and wrap it all up with a 3-step framework that helps you apply your knowledge to *any* sickness scenario.

You will be able to kick your knowledge and critical thinking skills into action at home to know exactly when it’s time to seek help. Annndddd you do it calmly and confidently.

Stop feeling scared.
Start feeling prepared.

Click the link in my bio to get instant access to my online course and take my hand to feeling super confident 💪🏻

Hands up who’s ever had an argument with a medicine-defying toddler?

Yep. Just as I thought, mostly everyone. And those of you that have kids that think medicine is a treat, shhhhh 🤫 Celebrate that one quietly or you may get a medicine bottle pegged at your head 🤭

For everyone else, swipe across for my tips.

Then tell me, what’s your go-to medicine tip?

What are they & when do you use them?

Swipe across for the deets on suppositories.

Have you used them before? What for and what was your experience like? Please share away in the comments >>>

Feeling overwhelmed and panicked with a sick child is pretty common.

But it doesn’t *have* to be this way. If you relate to this scenario, I have three words for you:

Normal. Or. Not.

With my online course: Normal or Not, you’ll be able to troubleshoot your way through a common sickness scenario just like this.

With The Sick Framework you’ll be able to rationally assess your child, know what’s normal or not, and know when it’s time to get help… and know what level of help you need!

This course is like downloading my brain into yours.

No more second guessing yourself.
No more overwhelm.
No more panic.

Just confidence and calm.

You can start knocking off one module at a time (even whilst nap-trapped) to start feeling prepared, NOT scared.

Available on the website now for INSTANT access. Get it 🤘🏻

Super easy answer to this one…

…not💀

It’s easy if you have a diagnosis and plan, but no so easy for those one off doses. Swipe to have a read >>>

Would love to know your thoughts on navigating this tricky situation👇🏻

Yes or no: Does teething cause nappy rash?

Here at Sick Happens, we live in the grey zone AKA the “it depends” zone.

So, does teething cause nappy rash?

You guessed it: it depends.

Swipe across for a read, and pop any questions below for me.

//

Penny 🫶🏻

Does your child get nappy rash when teething?

What’s more anxiety-inducing than a sick baby?

Not much… except perhaps a biting breastfeeding child 💀

Anywhoooo, sick babies can be stressful. They are little, have immature immune systems and their symptoms can be super vague.

You also have had limited time to get to know what’s normal for them, and what’s not.

It’s a big challenge.

But if you can focus on these three things, it will help you focus on what’s important and help cut out the spiraling thoughts.

Have you had a sick baby? What happened? I’d love to hear your story👇🏻

Teething can be a turbulent journey for babies and parents alike.

It can be painful and stressful for lots, and for some magical unicorn kiddos, they can breeze through without any issue.

But, if your child is hurting from those erupting toothy pegs, here are some of the best evidence based says to manage their pain.

Remember: pain is subjective and is constantly changing. The key is having an entire tool box of options in hand to dip in and out of.

Want info on teething gels? Head to my blog for detailed info.

What about amber beads? It’s a “proceed with caution” kinda deal. There’s no high quality evidence to suggest they are effective for relieving pain, but you do you. However, don’t leave the beads on unattended, especially at sleep time due to the choking and strangulation risk. Let’s be safe.

What’s your go-to hack to support your teething Bebe?

I’m out ✌️

Catch you on the flip side.

Remember: Instagram is a highlight reel. I can almost guarantee that everyone else will be dealing with tears, tantrums, snotty noses and family fights. But, they will only share the smiles, clean clothes, curated trees and endless laughs.

It’s normal to live in the mundane, but relish in those moments of magic.

Merry Christmas to YOU and YOUR fam.

Penny x