actually sick

Not sure if I jinxed myself by writing a post about faking sick, but my oldest has been sick all week with the flu. It was not until my kids got sick for the first time under our care that we realized just how poorly they had been taken care of prior to living with us.

There were 10 and 11 years old respectively and they had no idea how being sick worked. The idea of drinking lots of fluids, resting and taking cough syrup was all new to them. We had to teach them how to cough productively and how to blow their noses properly. They still struggle with the whole being sick thing.

They have also experienced so few bouts of sickness that when they do become ill, they tend to think they are dying. My oldest was taken to the emergency room a few nights ago because she woke up in the middle of the night with a fever, muscle aches and struggled to move her body. She claimed she was paralyzed. She sobbed uncontrollably, so we just let the emergency room sort her out.

Not taking her to the emergency room when she had convinced herself that she was paralyzed would have only made the situation worse. Instead we showed that we were concerned about her well being and she got to be doted on by some nurses and doctors. The emergency room was fairly empty and we were in and out in under two hours.

She has a lingering cough, but is on the mend. She was pesky today because she was bored, so I think she might be able to go to school tomorrow. I may just shrug it off until Monday and we can start fresh next week.

Adoption experts actually think kids being sick is the best possible way to build a bond between adoptive child and adoptive parent. The child needs care and you provide them what they need. They become the focus of your attention as you dote on them and provide them with all the goodies that come with getting sick. My kids love the unlimited amounts of popsicles they get when they have sore throats. It is also a great time to buy them a book or magazine, so they can just cuddle up under the covers and fall asleep while reading. Taking their temperature, changing out the bedding, and being lax on meal requirements are all things your children notice when you take care of them. They may feel horrible physically, but they feel loved and cared for in their hearts.