All hell breaks loose when you're dealing with sick kids and stuck inside of the house. They "don't feeeeeeel good" so they're extra whiny, clingy, and demanding. They spread germs with wild abandon … sneezing, blowing their noses, and throwing their used tissues all over the couch. They forget everything you ever told them about covering their mouths when they cough. Oh, and this is a biggie: they don't always make it to the bathroom on time. Who hasn't dealt with an awful projectile scene at, say, 3 a.m.? Ugh.
In the spirit of helping you cope, we've got eight sick kid hacks from moms who've seen it all … and then some.
Will you put #3 together so you're prepared for sick season?
Images © Hero Images/Corbis; via Jennifer Chait/Flickr
DIY Hand Sanitizer
DIY disinfecting citrus mint hand sanitizer is a must when you're dealing with sick kids. Keep it at the ready to stop germs in their tracks. You'll find three homemade hand sanitizer recipes, formulated with kid-friendly essential oil blends, if you visit Growing Up Herbal.
More from The Stir: 6 Surefire Ways to Stop Coughing Now
Kids' Honey Lemon Lollipops
Honey and lemon lollipops are so delicious, your kid will consider them a treat, not a sore throat remedy. They're easy to make, too. Head on over to Homespun With Love for the details.
Sick Bucket for Kids
Holly at Kids Activities Blog keeps a Sick Bucket stocked at all times so she's prepared when she's jolted awake to that special alarm clock … you know the one: "Mom! Moooommmmmmy, I'm sick!" It's filled with all of the essentials, including a vinyl tablecloth to keep surfaces, carpets, and upholstered furniture clean.
Chicken Stock Ice Cubes
Whenever you make homemade chicken stock, double the recipe and freeze the exrtra in an ice tray (The Paupered Chef will show you how). That way, when your kids are sick (and you may be too), you can just pop them out of the freezer, heat, and serve. One cube equals about one ounce.
Disinfect Toys in the Washing Machine
Take all of the germ-collecting plastic toys, put them in a washable bag, and throw them in the washing machine. It will do a great job disinfecting the little buggers and save you a ton of time.
Rainbow Popsicles
All-fruit rainbow popsicles from Alpha Mom will be your savior when you're cooped up with sick kids. Cool popsicles numb sore throats and keep kids quiet for a few minutes. Aaaaahhhhhh …
Bacteria Buster Cleaning Spray
Homemade bacteria buster countertop spray? Yes, please! This recipe only requires four ingredients and, chances are, you have them already. Visit Homespun With Love for the specifics.
Double Sheet the Bed
Moms swear by this trick: Double sheet the bed when your kid is sick with anything stomach-related. Put a waterproof sheet on the bottom of the bed, then a sheet, and then repeat. This way, if your kid wakes up and vomits in the middle of the night, you can quickly peel off the top sheet and put your kid back to sleep.
