On social media, everyone is eager to show off their kids, posting pictures of all kinds of flowers, plants, and playmates. Most common are photos of families driving off to who-knows-where, with grills and gear laid out in a row, ready for a barbecue feast.
Everyone is bustling about in high spirits. No one really keeps track of how much they’ve eaten — you just see one plate empty, then another. The kids eat for a while, play for a while, and no one pays attention to whether they had chicken wings, lamb skewers, ice cream, popsicles, or flatbread with beef.
At noon, when the weather is hot, after playing soccer, badminton, or riding bikes, the kids are drenched in sweat. They strip down to their vests for a photo, feeling cool — but has anyone thought about the risk of getting sick?
By the afternoon, as long as they’re not napping, the kids are happy doing just about anything. So parents take turns keeping them entertained, not wanting to disappoint them (I assume), and nap time goes out the window.
And just like that, it’s eat-play-eat-play, and time flies by. Kids with weaker constitutions may start showing signs of fatigue the next day, but with the more energetic ones still going strong, everyone keeps playing nonstop.
Today, on the way home, the car is probably filled with the family’s exhaustion. Dad is still dutifully driving, while the kids are likely fast asleep, comatose.
Tomorrow, it’s back to the reluctant routine of work and school. Thinking about how nice the spring weather is, it’s hard not to feel a little resentful.
But maybe things could get worse. Have you thought about how these two days of wild play might make your child sick? If your child gets ill, that’s far worse than having to go back to work.
Don’t blame me for being a pessimist — this kind of......post-holiday or post-weekend illness among kids is all too common. Why?
First, they eat too much and too many different things.
During holidays and weekends, moms often take their kids on picnics, barbecues, or out to eat. As a result, kids tend to eat more than usual. Foods that are rarely consumed at home are usually not restricted, leading to excessive intake of protein and fat. These foods are hard to digest and put a heavy burden on the gastrointestinal system, making children highly prone to illness. Some parents also love taking their kids to try so-called delicacies or rare foods, thinking it’s a way to show love — but they forget that children have limited digestive capacity and can’t handle these rich foods.
Eating too much often leads to illness, whether respiratory or digestive.
Playing too hard, with completely irregular routines.
Catch a holiday, and you want to play to your heart’s content — or maybe you don’t usually have time for your kids, so you make up for it on the weekend. Play all day, even for two or three days straight. Time flies as everyone enjoys themselves, but what about the rest the kids need? What about their naps? The water they should be drinking? The clothes they should be putting on or taking off?
Kids who play too hard and expend too much energy will see their immune systems weaken, leaving them vulnerable to illness. At best, they’ll be sick for 3–5 days; it’s not uncommon for it to drag on for 1–2 weeks.
Today, what should you do?
The fun’s already had — what can you do today to minimize the chances of getting sick afterward?
Eat less or skip dinner: If your child isn’t hungry, let them be. If they’re still ravenous, impose some limits. Prepare easily digestible meals. Don’t plan any more outings for meals — we’re not celebrities, so there’s no need to pack the schedule so tightly.
Drink more water: the age-old advice, but useful. Try to replenish the fluids lost from sweating and not drinking enough while out.
Prompt a bowel movement: Make sure your child goes to the bathroom at least once today. It’s important. If they don’t, give them some fruits or vegetables that help with digestion.
Go to bed early: Whether your child wants to or not, tonight they must sleep early. Get them to bed sooner and read them a few calm bedtime stories.
The above advice applies not just to this short holiday, but also to longer breaks and even weekends.
What should you keep in mind when planning holidays and weekends?
Moms should understand their child’s daily routine and eating habits. Some moms are working parents and aren’t fully aware of their child’s everyday life details — it’s often the grandparents who help out. Please take the time to learn about your child: what they usually eat and drink, what they can’t eat, what time they nap in the afternoon, how many layers of clothing they need, and what they’re not used to. Don’t assume blindly that the way you’re handling things is fine.
Choose appropriate venues: don’t take very young children on long, tiring trips.
Schedule wisely: don’t pack the holiday too tightly. For a 3-day break, limit playtime to a maximum of 2 days. On weekends, play on Saturday and rest on Sunday.
But sometimes, no matter what you say, it’s only when the child gets sick that parents truly worry.