5 genius tricks for when your kids get sick and the timing could not be... worse.

Thanks to our brand partner, NSW Health

There is nothing worse than a sick kid. Our baby girl also seems to time her sicky days for when it has been one of those weeks where the calendar's exploded, and Murphy's Law decided to move in permanently. Honestly, I swear she has a sixth sense for picking the exact moment when my work is piling up, the washing machine breaks and the dog suddenly develops a mysterious limp.

It's like she and the universe join forces for maximum chaos.

Becoming a parent teaches you many things. Mostly it teaches you that you are capable of operating on four hours of sleep, but also that you are willing to do almost anything to make your little person feel better. 

After multiple rounds of colds, flu, infections and gastro (the full bingo card), I've collected a few simple hacks that I now swear by. They are the little things that make those long, sniffly days a tiny bit easier for everyone involved.

Here are some of my best "let's-get-to-the-other-side-of-this" strategies for when the little people go down.

Snacks, snacks, snacks (and make them beige).

As a parent, you will already be parting with half of your salary to fuel your kid's snack habit, but when they are sick you need to really up your game. I keep a secret and particularly beige stash in the back of the cupboard for those days when sickness hits hard. I include some of her favourites, crackers, rice cakes and so on, and some of mine because honestly, why not.

It is secret for a reason. You must not nibble on the sick stash. It's for sick-days-only situations, similar to breaking the glass on a fire alarm. The beauty of a special stash is that you are not scrambling at six in the morning to cobble together something bland enough for a tender tummy. It is there, ready, waiting and judgement free. Well, only if your partner has not already found it.

Calling healthdirect for advice.

My scariest moments as a mum have all involved our daughter being sick. I felt helpless, out of my depth and desperate for support, especially during those middle of the night moments when everything feels more dramatic than it probably is. I have also been known to be slightly more dramatic than needed in those early hours too, so I don't help the situation.

healthdirect provides instant health advice over the phone so parents can speak to a nurse 24 hours a day. It's there for you at three in the morning when you're unsure of what to do and are questioning whether a trip to the emergency department is "needed" at a time like this. It's not just advice, either. The service can find you a nearby pharmacy, connect you to a paediatric specialist online, book an appointment at your nearest Urgent Care Service and can even call an ambulance if needed.

And this service is all for free. I SWEAR more parents need to know this.

The number is 1800 022 222. Truly, save it in your phone for next time. It can give you confidence when your brain has completely left the building.

Hydration hacks.

When kids are sick, getting them to drink water becomes a negotiation that should probably count as a United Nations peacekeeping effort. You think you are prepared, but then you're suddenly pleading to please just take one sip of water while they dramatically flop onto the carpet.

To save on the fight, I make special ice blocks. Think frozen fruit or watered down juice to make hydration feel like a treat rather than a battle. You can also freeze things like Hydralyte to keep at-the-ready, too.

Create a 'lounge nest'.

When the kiddies are sick, release the lounge room. This is not the day for strict routines or tidy obsessed thinking. I create a little nest using all the pillows, a bedsheet and a waterproof protector if needed and I let go of any screen time rules.

The nest becomes a cosy, safe little hub where they can rest, nap, snack and watch TV while you sit close enough to keep an eye on temperatures and offer unlimited cuddles. It also means you are not doing laps of the house trying to juggle laundry, comforting and making sure they're not climbing furniture while unwell. Containment is your friend.

Entertainment packs.

When a kid is sick, boredom comes in hot. This is where my emergency entertainment pack saves the day. I keep a small stash of sticker books, reusable activity pads, colouring sheets and even a few tiny toys that only appear on sick days.

Because they are special, they instantly feel exciting even when your child is feeling flat. They buy you precious calm, keep little hands busy while they rest and distract them long enough for you to take a breath or drink a semi warm coffee. The novelty truly works wonders.

Being honest it is all about making them feel better as quickly as possible and you keeping sane. Whatever gets everyone through the day with minimal tears counts as a win in my book.

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free instant health advice anytime, anywhere.

To speak with a nurse in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 and ask for healthdirect.

This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always seek health advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Feature image: Getty.

Call healthdirect 1800 022 222. A registered nurse is available 24/7 to help you get the care you or your family need. They can find you a nearby GP, pharmacist or urgent care service, connect you to a doctor online or call you an ambulance if it is life-threatening.
Find out more: www.health.nsw.gov.au/callhealthdirect