Caring From Afar When They Are Sick
E/4:29 Parent-to-Parent
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged” Deuteronomy 31:8
It is bound to happen at some point during the year. “Mom, I feel awful!”
There is no place like home especially when any of us feels sick but you can help make it easier for your child away from home with a little prep work. Preparation is the key to being ready for the inevitable phone call or text that they are not feeling well. Being a “I must think of everything” mom came in handy when it came to those sick days. Along with all the move in stuff, I got a small plastic container with a snap on lid at Walmart. Then I proceeded to pack it full of enough stuff to take care of everything from sniffles, sore throats and fevers to possible viruses! Seriously though, you know your child and what they are prone to coming down with and what helps them. Make yourself a list and tailor it to your child based on allergies and what normally works for them.
You do not have to be a “I must think of everything” parent. That’s when talking together with other parents is such a blessing. The following list of emergency care items is just a list of suggestions and may not be suitable for everyone.
Some basics to consider are:
- Thermometer
- Tylenol
- Advil
- Tums, Gas pills
- Allergy pills like Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec
- Nose spray and Eye drops for allergies
- Cough drops/syrup
- Cold medicine for relief like Dayquil and Nightquil
- Immunity boosters during a cold or flu like Emergen-C, Zicam, or Airborne
- Melatonin for good rest
- Lip balm
My family likes Emergen-C for an extra vitamin C boost. Liquids to boost hydration are also good. If your student uses essential oils include those. Add a couple of those heat-in-the-microwave chicken noodle soups, some saltines, and soft tissues for their nose. If they like Ginger Ale or 7-up for an upset stomach, get a couple of those mini cans that won’t take up much room. Our pediatrician even gave our daughter an extra antibiotic prescription that we had filled in Lynchburg to have just in case because she knows how prone our daughter is to sinus infections. Your student could always do a delivery order or go in-person to get what they need, but when you are sick that is the last thing they may feel like doing. And it will help your mom/dad’s heart knowing they have what they need.
Always encourage your son or daughter to go to the health clinic, if they feel like they need to. Strep and flu can move very fast on campus and the coronavirus is still a thing. The clinic on campus can test them. If they are feeling the worst at night when the clinic is closed, they can be seen by several walk-in places in town. I would add those numbers in your phone that way you will be prepared with info to give them if the need arises. In the rare event they need an actual emergency room, then there is one in Lynchburg and Bedford.
Let them know you are praying for them to feel better and they are loved. Remind them to stay hydrated, get enough sleep and vitamin C, etc. If they need to miss class due to illness encourage them to follow the contact method for each individual professor (email). That info is usually covered in the syllabus.
Remember that “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged” Deuteronomy 31:8. Once your student is all better, remind them of Psalm 107:1 which says “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.” ~Wanda B., Graduate
E/4:29’s contributing authors are parents of students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at Liberty or have recently graduated. Each month, the Parent-to-Parent blog offers practical tips, helpful guidance, and encouraging wisdom that they may serve you “only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (as in, Ephesians 4:29).
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