Dancr said:
<a href="http://www.lacarte.org/calamity/preps/kids/index.html">Kids in Calamity</a>
Wow Dancr, you just about covered it all. Haven't explored the link yet, but looks like some real valuable info. I hesitate to comment since I haven't explored the link, but you know me, just have to ramble on.
Seems to me anyone who has children or plans on having them, should have things ready for them.
Some applesauce, rice, oatmeal, canned and powdered milk, lite salt (for oral rehydration liquid) and sugar would be valuable. Rice can be made into rice milk, and can be mashed with a fork with a little milk added. Children don't usually react to rice the way many do to wheat. Many people have allergies to wheat. It can also be used in a lot of child friendly ways, such as rice pudding, rice with whipped cream and pineapple, etc. Oatmeal, even if you don't have a flaker, grinder, can be crumbled into the water, making it thinner. Jello, in my opinion, is about the most useless item I've ever encountered, but, I guess that colored sugar does have it's place for ill people.
Hopefully, the home library is already stocked with a few years in advance of the child or children. Along with pencils, paper, beeswax crayons, an art box filled with such treasures as stickers, little "junk" toys that you'd now prefer be thrown out could be put in the box for a special amusement for a sick child.
Some bingo chips and a deck of cards is the basis for an intensive math education. Match the chips with the number on the card, addition, subtraction, etc. A chld's own set of measuring cups can not only teach math, but allow the child to contribute to the family meals.
A small herb garden can be planted in the smallest spaces. Research the plants. The first one you might consider for a child would be lemon balm. It tastes good, will lower a fever and is an excellent bedtime drink, since it has a tranquilizing effect. The exception to this would be a child with hypo-thyroidism, (underactive thyroid). In this case you'd want to limit it, because lemon balm in excessive amounts will inhibit thyroid function. But, it's a wonderful tasty plant that adds flavor to foods, can be used hot or cold, and it also draws bees, which would benefit the home gardener.
Peppermint plants also make a good, medicinal tea. Also keep peppermint candies on hand. Really opens up a stuffy nose, soothes a sore throat, and can go a long way to helping a child have a more restful sleep. Of course, we all know to not let them eat it laying flat and to make sure it's gone before they fall asleep.
And, speaking of bees makes me think of allergies, which makes me think of allergic reactions, which makes me think of sweating, gasping, collapsing, vomiting, etc. Have something to treat allergic reactions. LilRose would know more about this, but I'd sure stock some benadryl or children's equivalent.
Triple antibiotic ointment, iodine, alcohol, betadine, peroxide, and scrape/cut/infection things should be in every medicine cabinet, along with the standard, tweezers, thermometer, fever reducers, cold supplies, vitamins, etc. And elmers glue. GLUE. Don't forget the glue. Nothing better for removing a sliver from a chld than glue. Cover the sliver with glue, let it dry, and remove. When you peel the glue off, the sliver comes out with it, reducing trauma to the child and saving your eardrums and nerves.
Olive leaf extract is something I wouldn't be without, for child or adult. Taken at the onset of any disease, it makes it a whole lot more bearable. Echinacea is another good, safe, herbal. The verdict is still out on colloidal silver, and though I'd use it myself, I'd research it for children. It can deplete minerals in the body, which would have to be replaced, and it's not something a person with little awareness of the nutritional needs of a child would want to play with, but it's excellent and safe for external treatment for anyone.
Marshmallow is another good, safe plant. Though hard to grow in many areas, it can be ordered and is a wonderful treatment for those "stomach aches," and many other uses.
Slippery elm is a good nutritional product to have on hand. The Indians survived on a gruel made of slippery elm bark when food was scarce.
Lard should be kept on hand for making your own salves, ointments, etc. As should alcohol for making tinctures. Some essential oils to add to the salves would be good also. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. A few drops of some essential oils can kill a child.
Comforts for a child are endless. You will be the main comfort. With your body at it's peak, you'll be better able to think and plan, read a soothing story, make up your own stories, and offer a loving touch, a softly spoken word of encouragement, and the constant reassurance that though many things change, your love for them will never change. Taking care of yourself is the number one way of taking care of your child. Have a great day!
Ack! Burn Free gel, pads, etc. and aloe plant for burns. How could I forget that!!!
