‘Tis the Season for Sniffles: How to Cope with Sick Kids During the Holidays

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With a busy holiday season ahead, the last thing you need is for one of your kids to come down with a sore throat or the sniffles. Unfortunately, the festivities are smack-dab in the middle of cold and flu season, and your kid’s immune system may be unable to fight off the common virus this winter.  

While there’s no good time for your child to come down with a cold, there’s probably no worse time than the holiday season. A sore throat, the sniffles, or a fever can interfere with all your big plans. Worse yet, it can ruin what’s supposed to be a magical time of year for your children.

So what’s a busy mom supposed to do? Read on to find out!

Cancel Group Plans

RVSP’ing no to a family event can be tough, but you owe it to your loved ones. You don’t want your child to infect anyone else at the party, especially if you have older or immunocompromised family members. 

You also owe it to yourself. Sure, it can be hard knowing you won’t celebrate with the usual people. But you know what’s harder? Traveling with a sick and exhausted child!

Join in Virtually

Luckily, you don’t have to miss out on all the fun. You can arrange virtual calls with your loved ones to make sure your child gets to “see” everyone. You can even set up a video during the big events, like unwrapping presents, so nobody feels excluded.

Check-In with Your Budget

The holidays can be a financially tough time of year as you stock up on goodies and gifts for your family. Adding doctor’s fees, tests, and prescriptions doesn’t help matters, so it’s important to touch base with your finances.

For many busy moms, the usual credit cards can’t cover surprise medication — they’re already maxed out handling the festivities. If you’re short on funds, don’t worry. 

Instead, check out a platform like MoneyKey for installment loans. You can see if MoneyKey can help you get money now by applying online. If approved, you can use these online loans to cover urgent medical expenses that crop up this winter. 

Did you have to cancel any reservations or return items to accommodate your sick kiddo? Take the time to pursue these refunds. Hunting down this money adds extra work to your plate, but it can help you borrow a smaller installment loan online. 

Focus on the Cozy Factor

Luckily, many of the season’s biggest traditions are perfectly suited for a holiday flu. Tuck your sick kid in a pile of blankets in front of the TV and serve hot chocolate as you watch holiday movie classics. Heap on the TLC to make sure they don’t feel down about missing out.

Have Fun in the Snow

You don’t have to spend all your time indoors this season. If your child doesn’t have a fever or severe infection, you can see about playing outside. Ask if they’re up to it and plan accordingly, making sure you dress them for the weather. All the fresh air is good for them.

Bottom Line: Be There for Your Kids

You aren’t the only one to feel disappointed or stressed out about such a change to tradition. So do what you can to make sure your sick kiddo still feels special despite being housebound.