A Little Care Goes A Long Way

I bet I will get a lot of agreement on this one…who else out there is starting to feel over winter?

I know all of you in the North and Midwest are really feeling me with the intense winter weather you all experience, even more so for those of you who dealt with winter storm Nemo. I know I couldn’t handle it. The rainy, chilly, generally gross winters we have here are enough to do me in.

Other reasons I’m ready for spring to make an appearance?

• more outdoor activities with the family
• more beautiful scenery with budding flowers, green trees, blue skies
• LESS SICKNESS!

In fact, I think that may be the biggest reason. This happened last week.

Awesome news of the day? Hand foot mouth virus outbreak reported for B's class. #isntthatlovely

February 6, 2013 9:49 am via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@tinareale

Tina Reale

I’m over the sickies that have plagued my two wee ones, mostly Braedon, off and on the past few months. Kids are germ magnets and I never enjoy the cold/flu season and watching my kiddos fight illness. It seems like no matter what preemptive strikes I try to take they still get sick at least a few times.

Oh how it pains me when they look like this.

When that time comes I have to break out my trusted care tactics.

A Mother’s Recipe for Sick Baby Care

Step One. Pajamas

I’m not about to make my kids get out of comfortable PJs when they don’t feel well. Although I do make sure they put on clean ones every day.

Step Two: Their Favorite TV Show

Normally I limit television to 2 twenty minute shows per day. When they feel miserable, though, I will up that allowance. If it’s really bad, we may just camp on the couch with movies all day  long.

Step Three: Comfort Food

Thankfully my kids tend to love healthy foods, but I make sure they get nutritious foods they enjoy most while sick. Fresh fruit is always a top winner and craving for my kids when they’re not feeling too hot.

Step Four: Snuggles & Tingles

Besides television, I spend the day snuggling them up close to me while hoping I don’t catch whatever junk they may have. It’s worth the sacrifice though. I don’t get those limitless snuggles as often anymore. I also bring out something my mom used to do for me when I felt sick – tingles (lightly grazing my fingers over her back for a little tickle like feeling that is so calming). I already have Makenzie hooked as she asks for them every single night now, sick or not. Without a doubt they come out on sick days as an insta-soother.

Okay, so maybe caring for sick kiddos isn’t so bad when it comes with snuggles? Plus, I really enjoy caring for others when in need. Whether it be bringing a home cooked meal to a friend after the birth of a baby or offering a shoulder to cry on during a trying situation, I find joy in offering support to others. It always pains me when I can’t personally be there for loved ones when facing illness or personal dilemmas.

That’s why the Kleenex Care Packs appeal to me as an option to be there for someone in need even from far away.

source – Kleenex.com

In order to send a Kleenex Care Pack, you simply need to buy a specially marked bundle or box of Kleenex brand tissue, find the code on the package, enter it online, and then share the care. So simple, yet so meaningful to someone who could use that extra thought.

Each care pack includes:

• lip balm
• hand sanitizer
• coupon booklet
• packs of Kleenex brand tissues
• and a card redeemable to download four songs from a variety of Universal artists

Some ideas for care packs from the Stories of Sharing page:

• send to a sick grandparent who lives a few states away
• send to a good friend to show you care
• send to a deployed friend of family member
• send to a child who is away at college
• send to a significant other for when you can’t be there to wipe away the tears <<—how cute?!

I believe in the ideology of simple acts of kindness making the biggest impact in lives. I think one of these may just have to make its way to my mom. In fact, it’s perfect timing. My brother is in from out of town and will be leaving tomorrow. Tears will most definitely flow. My mom is quite the crier…

….and she will probably look like that for the next two weeks. I think she could use a Kleenex Care Pack, don’t you? 

Do you ever send care packages to anyone? What ways do you like to give your care to those who are sick or in need in some way?

Kleenex brand, America’s softest tissue*, knows that once one experiences the softness of Kleenex brand tissues, they will be eager to share it with other cold and flu sufferers, friends and strangers alike, as a way to show they care. This cold and flu season, make the care complete with a Kleenex Brand Care Pack, and together we’ll turn a seemingly small gesture into something bigger, to make everyone feel better. Visit www.kleenex.com/softness to learn more.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Kleenex via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kleenex.

Best Body Bootcamp

Register now for Round 5 Best Body Bootcamp

BBB is a flexible 8 week workout program to challenge you at YOUR fitness level. Join for new workouts, motivation, cash prizes and fun! Starts April 1.