The Housewife Takes Care of Her Sick Ones
Be practical and wise
Your family will get sick. This is the season for colds and flu! And always has been. There is nothing unusual about sniffles, aches, and pains.
The housewife is practical and doesn’t let manipulation of panic intrude on her peace; she protects her loved ones from being viewed as abnormal for catching a cold!
I recently recalled a supposedly scientific article I read in 2020 claiming that singing subjects a person to a deadly virus. In fact, the author said,
“…there seems to be a growing body of evidence that singing, talking, breathing, and laughing are possible ways to transmit disease.”
To which I respond:
True, no doubt. I will take my chances, then, because life without singing, talking, breathing, and laughing is not worth living.
Especially breathing, but that’s just me! I like to breathe and I like my loved ones to breathe!
The woman in the home is a bulwark against viewing the person primarily as a vector for disease!
She will be prepared for illness and know what to do, because she has studied the subject. Most nursing of the sick can and should be carried out at home, because often, even a trip to the doctor exposes everyone to much more risk than benefit. She can even prepare things so that her family can take care of her when whatever is going around catches up to her.
Read this article of mine on how to take care of your sick child at home. I’ll tell you a secret: those normal illnesses can be a fruitful time to show each other love and kindness. They can also be opportunities to read books or even just think — opportunities we shouldn’t squander.
The experience of being cared for solidifies a child’s memory of a happy home.
These books are helpful (affiliate links — a small amount comes to me when you buy using my link, thank you!):
How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor: One of America's Leading Pediatricians Puts Parents Back in Control of Their Children's Health by Robert S. Mendelsohn, MD
Be Your Own Doctor by Rachel Weaver M.H.
Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health by Aviva Romm, foreword by Dr. Sears
J. Bond Francisco, The Sick Child, 1893
Don’t wish to subscribe just now? Sharing with your friends and family really helps!
My book on how to live with the Liturgical Year: The Little Oratory
The School for Housewives brings you short, practical, and thoughtful messages to inspire you to make your home. For the longer version:
As with everything here at the SFH, the best thing is for you to take what I’m saying — ideas that come from my experience of 45 years of marriage and raising seven children — and apply them to your situation with discernment, prudence, and confidence — and a sense of humor!
Ensure plenty of exercise outside in the fresh cold air, ample amounts of sleep, and limit sugary treats too for healthy happy children and parents! ❤️
Last night I was reading your book before bed and got to the chapter of caring for sick ones. I’ve read the blog post but love rereading for a refresher!
Thus, I thought I was in a fever dream when I woke to my 9yo throwing up at 4am when I’d just been reading about barf before bed. 😆 She’s been tucked in her nest since dawn and the sickness has already subsided a bit! The concept of the “nest” has made the transition to sickness so much nicer ever since I read about it years ago, when my four were all under 10!