Stomach viruses are quite prevalent among children, and unfortunately, they offer no benefits. Kids get sick; it’s part of their nature. As parents, we are expected to provide comfort and support during these tough moments. While we genuinely empathize and wish we could alleviate their discomfort, we also experience a range of less-than-ideal emotions. After all, who wants to spend their night catching vomit with their bare hands?
As caregivers, it is our responsibility to embrace our little ones, even when they’re covered in vomit, and comfort them while trying to suppress our own gag reflexes. To navigate these challenging times, I’ve outlined the five stages of parenting a sick child, similar to the stages of grief, to remind you that you are not alone.
1. Denial
My initial reaction whenever my daughter vomits is to convince myself that she simply overindulged. Surely this is just a temporary situation, and it will be resolved quickly. I tell myself that I won’t catch whatever she has, as there’s nothing contagious about this. It’s like spit-up but much more disturbing, especially when I recall the grapes from dinner. No problem here; just a minor hiccup.
2. Anger/Revulsion
At this stage, it’s not the child I’m upset with, but rather the situation itself. Why does this always happen at the worst possible time? (You always have plans, even if it’s just doing the laundry.) This is also when the overwhelming sense of disgust sets in, and it lingers throughout every stage. Because, let’s be honest, it’s gross.
3. Bargaining
I find myself thinking, “If I give her a bath, perhaps the vomiting will cease.” Surely cleanliness will soothe her, right? Or maybe if I pray to the ‘Mom Fairy,’ she’ll be spared from further sickness. I promise to never raise my voice again or sing constantly if only this episode of vomiting will come to an end. I swear I’ll keep the house spotless if it means avoiding another round of cleaning up. I need this to end now, please!
4. Depression/Fear/Indecision
At this point, I begin to contemplate that life as we know it has changed. This child might continue to vomit indefinitely, and the smell will linger in my memory forever. I start worrying about the seriousness of her condition. Should I take her to the doctor? Is this simply a stomach bug? What if I ignore it and something severe occurs? Is throw-up really supposed to smell like this?
5. Acceptance
Fortunately, things usually improve over time. After countless shirt changes and clean-ups, my child will likely be exhausted and ready for rest. In the morning, I can decide whether a doctor’s visit is necessary, but for now, I can clean the floor, tackle the laundry (and then do it again), take a shower, and perhaps enjoy a drink while I still can, knowing I might be next in line for this illness.
So far, I have thankfully avoided dealing with a serious illness as a parent. The worst I’ve faced is a vomiting toddler who doesn’t quite understand what’s happening or why I’m urging her to the bathroom. There are certainly worse things in life, and there will be in the future. Yet, during those difficult, vomit-filled nights, I will remind myself of these stages and seek the light at the end of this revolting tunnel.
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Summary
Parenting a vomiting child involves navigating through five emotional stages: denial, anger/revulsion, bargaining, depression/fear/indecision, and acceptance. While the experience is undeniably challenging, recognizing these stages can provide comfort and clarity during difficult times.
Keyphrase: Parenting a sick child
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