Over the recent holiday weekend I was wondering if younger first time parents are getting any training with how to cope with sick kids.

Being a single parent I think a few things are essential because good bad or otherwise the buck stops with us.

Maybe you don't want some people involved in your parenting efforts; especially how to cope with the lovely little miserable things that we don't get a lot of sympathy about doing it as a solo act but I think a few things could make it easier.

First is probably thinking ahead and doing some things that prepare you toccope

I was hoping that someone would jump into this thread and share some experience or at least ask some questions.

Maybe I was lucky that both my kids and many of my foster kids came with the "blessing" of a variety of conditions and illnesses that made being a single parent at times seemingly "Mission Impossible ". Lol key up music to any who get the reference.

I will add some of my trade secrets.

One is Super Hero's work in teams.

If you have to pass out note cards at the parent teacher night network with other parents. One parent might have one talent,asset,or time schedule that doesn't exactly mesh with yours but is perfect when you need a trusted adult to cover the kiddies. You have to give to get but I really did NOT care that my buddy who was a night shift television sound mixer parent extrordinar came over in his Sponge Bob pajamas with his two when mine caught the measles a few days after his. He was thrilled when I passed on dress up clothes and made tutu's for his little girls.

Magician's always have a bag of tricks.

When dealing with sick kids it doesn't hurt to keep some essential survival tools on hand. While I am not talking about a bottle for the parents it doesn't hurt to have a few bottles of clear soda, a few throw away barf pads, and and maybe even some tv dinners ect. stashed for your next siege of the yucks.

Enable a P.O.A. not a P.O.W.

I don't recommend giving just anyone a limited Power of Attorney on your kids but if you want not to be locked down in maximum security you do need to line up someone that can get immediate help if you are "out" and sniffles go to something more. Caregivers get "stuff" happens but that circle is pretty small and if you burn one because their hands are tied behind their back the rest will disappear in the mist. This is particularly true if you don't authorize prepay transportation to a clinic for a teen or older care giver that might not be able to carry a child. Not everything requires an ambulance but you want no questions in anybodies mind who and where or if your child needs transported.