Navigating Those Inevitable Emergencies
Parent-to-Parent E/4:29
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is a quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin in 1733 (or 1736, depending on the citation). While the time-tested adage is credible enough to hear from one’s family physician, it also has the feeling of being a lofty missive discovered on a small strip of paper hidden away in a fortune cookie. No matter the person who delivers it, a doctor or a server, taking care of our student’s body, mind, and soul, is very important to us parents. What to look for and how to do it are meaningful considerations. If you had the opportunity to create an emergency sickness kit before your student left home, then you and your child have probably been blessed by it already. If you didn’t create one at the start of the fall semester, be encouraged and take advantage of the next time they are home. Winter Break is coming up and another opportunity to get ahead of future emergencies will be yours. May this LU Family mom’s wisdom help guide the way!
When They Are Sick or Hurt and Far From Home
It is bound to happen at some point during the year. There is no place like home especially when sick but you can help make it easier with a little prep work. Being the “I must think of everything” mom came in handy when it came to those sick days. Preparation is the key to meeting the dreaded “Mom I feel awful” call head on.
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 A-Z, including the bubonic plaque! 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 what normally works for them. These are just suggestions and may not be suitable for everyone due to any allergies to ingredients. Some basics to consider are: a thermometer, Tylenol, Advil, Pepto, Tums, Gas pills, Allergy pills, Nose Spray, Cough drops, Dayquil, Nyquil, Melatonin, lip balm. We like Emergen-C for an extra vitamin C boost. Add a couple of those heat-in-the-microwave chicken noodle soups, some saltines, and soft tissues. If they like Ginger Ale or 7-Up for upset stomachs, 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 to have just in case because she knows our daughter is prone to sinus infections.
Always encourage them to go to the health clinic if they feel like they need to. Strep and the flu can move fast, and the coronavirus is still a thing; they should be able to be tested for those there. If the clinic is closed and they really need to be seen, then there are several walk-in places in town. I would add those numbers into your phone and that way you will be prepared with the information to give them if the need arises.
Let them know you are praying for them to feel better and that they are loved. Remind them to stay hydrated, get enough sleep, sunshine, and vitamin C, too. Wanda B., Graduate
Helping Our Kids Navigate the Emergencies
Jena Stephans is a mother of six kids and the author of Letting Go Letting God (click to follow the Amazon.com book link). Days 9 and 24 are definitely worth reading and praying through!
Blessings and grace to all you hear.
Parent-to-Parent E/4:29’s contributing authors are parents of students that are currently enrolled in undergraduate degree programs or have recently graduated and are continuing their higher education in a graduate degree program at Liberty. Each month of the blog, Parent-to-Parent E/4:29 will offer 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).
If you are interested in sharing your insights and tips with fellow parents, email your name and student’s ID to LUFamily@liberty.edu today!
