When your child is experiencing a health crisis, what is the best course of action to take? Do you immediately go to the ER or InstaCare? Do you go to your family doctor or a specialist? Or should you just observe, comfort, and love your child?
These are tough choices to make. But when the unexpected illness hits, it’s important to stay calm and consider the situation. By following these 3 tips, you can make the best choice for your child that will put them on the right path for healing and optimal wellness.
1. Consider the child
One of the most important factors in determining what to do with a sick child is being in tune with the child and considering their personality. I have 6 kids and one of them complained all the time. And then I had another child who is tough as nails and never complained. So I knew that the one child was more likely to cry wolf and not be in a life-or-death situation. But when the other one says he’s in pain, I’m jumping in more quickly and saying that this is probably serious.
In fact, the child who never complained ended up getting a full-blown ear infection. I looked in his ear and it was red and hot and I felt terrible. Then I asked him why he didn’t tell me sooner and he said he thought it wasn’t a big deal and that it would just go away. So if you have a child like that, you’ll probably want to check up on them more often to make sure everything is okay. The more in tune you are with each child’s specific traits and needs, the better you will be able to help them.
2. Consider natural remedies
The tendency for many parents is to immediately take their child to the doctor or ER if they have a fever, upset stomach, or other common health crisis. But in these cases, you can probably wait and observe and do some easy things to address the issue. Effective methods for dealing with common illnesses include:
- Using essential oils
- Using natural herbs
- Drinking more water
- Getting more rest
- Avoiding sugar
- Avoiding dairy
- Avoiding fried foods
- Getting a chiropractic treatment
Going back to my child who had the ear infection… After I found out what was going on, I did a quick chiropractic adjustment on him, we said a little prayer, and then we did our own garlic and olive oil treatment. The next morning, I looked at his ear again and it was totally white. So in that case, I was ready to panic because it was the kid that has a high pain threshold. I was ready to do something else but he actually convinced me to do the normal, more conservative stuff.
That being said, there are times when you may need to do something in addition to a natural remedy. If your kid is showing signs of bronchitis or pneumonia, for example, that may require a more aggressive medical treatment.
3. Trust the body
I have a friend who is a pediatrician. He told me that sometimes parents will come to him thinking that their kid has an ear infection, but he knows it’s actually just inflammation. So even though he says, “I don’t want to give you an antibiotic yet,” the parent will insist on it. A parent may think they have to take more drastic measures to help their kid, but I would encourage parents not to panic and to trust the body in these situations.
Many doctors have warned of the harm prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause. For example, Dr. Lawrence Palevsky, who is an MD, has said that he feels we are harming children with the constant use of these medications and vaccines “that treat and suppress common and necessary childhood symptoms.”1 In other words, getting sick or showing a particular symptom is actually not a bad thing—even though we are taught to believe that idea. Getting a symptom and overcoming it is actually something that helps the body get tougher and stronger.
Raising Your Child Holistically
While following these tips can help your child after a symptom shows up, focusing on holistic wellness and being proactive with your kid’s health will benefit them far more than a reactive approach. Kids have accidents and stress that can affect them regardless of any symptoms that are manifesting, so it’s a good idea to visit a holistic healthcare provider such as a pediatric chiropractor that can provide a more complete picture of health.
Along with seeking holistic health care, a proactive approach to your child’s wellness includes making sure they are eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep, water, and exercise. Teaching them to deal with stress effectively and have a positive attitude can also do wonders for their overall health. And the best part of this approach is that when they do get a symptom, their body will be better able to heal itself and grow stronger as a result.
About Dr. Bill Lawler
Dr. Bill Lawler is a pediatric chiropractor with more than 30 years of experience. At his practice, Chiropractic 4 Kids and Families, he specializes in helping children, families, and pregnant women achieve wellness through natural methods. To learn more, visit Dr. Lawler’s website at mychiro4kids.com.
Sources:
1. Palevsky, Lawrence. “Child Health and Caring for a Sick Child.” Vaccination Information Network. Vaccinationinformationnetwork.com.