When a large family starts to show symptoms of the flu or a common cold, it’s just a matter of time before every last member gets hit. At first, the caregiver approaches each incident with empathy, masking any feelings of disgust to attend to the needs of the sick. However, as more children begin to feel unwell, the situation takes a turn.
Typically, the younger kids are the first to come down with something. After all, they have a habit of putting everything in their mouths and then generously sharing their germs with their siblings. It always starts in the middle of the night—without fail. One moment, you’re fast asleep, and then suddenly, a little voice calls out, “Mom, my tummy hurts.” Before you can even open your eyes, the child has already vomited—be it on the floor or, worse yet, right on you. Welcome to the late-night clean-up. Just remember to breathe through your mouth.
Despite the chaos, you muster all your patience and compassion. You comfort your child, saying, “Everything’s going to be alright. Mommy’s here.” After dealing with the mess, you settle in on the couch, ready for round one.
After a day or two of binge-watching irritating cartoons, your little one starts to feel better—just as the older siblings begin to exhibit their own symptoms: runny noses, coughs, and waves of nausea. You take everything in stride, but soon, tissues have turned into toilet paper, and both popsicles and ginger ale are running low.
As the cycle continues, the older tweens and teens begin to complain, “I don’t feel well.” But when you suggest a trip to the doctor, they insist, “I’ll be fine,” followed by more whining. This endless cycle can really test your patience, and before you know it, your nerves are frayed.
By the time the last child falls ill, sympathy has worn thin. The sibling who once received gentle care during the night now gets a stern, “Seriously?!” instead of the comforting response they might have once received. It’s hard being the last one to catch whatever bug is going around in a big family.
Just last week, my 12-year-old came home from school and approached me. I thought, “Ah, a hug is coming!” But no, she coughed directly in my face and proclaimed, “I think I have a fever.” I practically yelled, “Get away from me!” while pointing at the thermometer.
Despite the sleep deprivation, I truly appreciate that our health issues are typically resolved with a bit of time and some Tylenol. We may be a germy bunch, but we’re lucky. For more insights on parenting during these chaotic times, check out this post on Cervical Insemination where we tackle various family challenges. Also, if you’re looking for at-home insemination options, Make a Mom offers great kits. For a deeper dive into genetics related to IVF, this resource is quite informative.
In summary, navigating illness in a large family is a test of patience and resilience, but through it all, the bonds become stronger, and the laughter rings louder—even when germs are flying.
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