Hello!

Any time my kids have a temperature or are sick, I spend the whole night awake. I even set my alarm for every hour in case I don’t wake to check them. Am I over-reacting?


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  • My first question is why do you feel the need to check on them every hour whilst they are sleeping? Are you a nurse? Everything in life has risks, and whilst some people are very unlucky when it comes to health and succumbing to their illnesses – it is not practical to live this way.


  • It does sound like you are over reacting. Especially because you will then become over tired and not properly able to care for them when they are awake. If their illness is not life threatening, I think it is safe for you to go to sleep.


  • Do what makes you feel settled.
    Maybe try using a monitor so you get a decent sleep. It will let you know if you need to pop in.
    They might need you the next day so sleep is important for everyone


  • Its always good to err on the side of caution however don’t deprive yourself of sleep. Depending what type of sickness I feel it is unnecessary to wake every hour to check on them


  • Perhaps you are over-reacting a little, but I can also understand how uneasy a mother feels when her children are sick. Hopefully as your children get older, you’ll relax a little more.


  • Probably – but if you cannot sleep because they are sick, then what else should you do. Is this your first child? If you have a few more, then maybe your ideas will change.


  • If it makes you feel happier watching them constantly when they are sick then keep doing this. I used to sit up all night watching over my boys when they were ill. Just do what makes you comfortable.


  • Of course we will be concerned as parents. Do what you feel is right for your family.


  • As a mother, you have to do what you feel comfortable with. You know your children better than anyone else. If your instincts are telling you that getting up every hour is reassuring, then do it.


  • A child is dependent of it’s parents, the parents carry responsibility over the child. We all have our own way of caring. You might want to make it a bit easier for yourself and instead of staying awake the whole night you could put a mattress on the floor beside your child and rest up a bit, while if you want you still could set your alarm.


  • I dont think anyone can tell you that your over the top when your child is sick. You know them best and doing what you think is right. The amount of times i have in my daughters bed or floor so i was with her the whole night is ridiculous but it works for us.


  • Better to be safe then sorry as they say.
    You do what makes you feel comfortable.
    Its your child and you are a loving and caring parent…good for you.


  • I don’t think it’s possible to overreact when it comes to babies being sick. It’s not easy not to worry. I think you do what you have to do to give yourself peace of mind


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