Parental Intuition

As parents, we have an innate ability to sense when something is off with our children. This phenomenon is often referred to as "intuition" or "gut instinct." While it can be a powerful tool in navigating our child's health, it can also be challenging to decipher. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of intuition in making healthcare decisions for our kids, whilst also balancing this with objective observations.

Intuition:

It's completely natural to feel panic and worry when our children fall ill. We know our children the best and therefore know when somethings not right. However, sometimes fear can cloud our objective judgement. Instead, after recognising something isn’t right - let's shift our focus to the child as a whole. By paying attention to their body's signals, we can make informed decisions based on their symptoms, rather than solely relying on our own worried thoughts.

Break It Down:

When faced with a concerning situation, take a moment to turn inward and reflect. Consider whether it is your body's anxiety directing you towards the emergency room or if it is a genuine instinct based on your child's symptoms. Break it down for yourself and troubleshoot each symptom they are experiencing.

Observing Overall Condition:

Start by observing your child's overall condition. Look for signs of distress such as pain or discomfort. Pay attention to changes in their behavior, appetite, sleep patterns, or activity levels. Assess their vitals, including temperature, breathing, and pulse. Take note of any specific symptoms they may have, such as a cough, rash, or runny nose. By systematically assessing each body system, you can ensure no potential issues are overlooked.

Severity and Duration of Symptoms:

Next, evaluate the severity and duration of each symptom. Based on these assessments, ask yourself whether the symptoms can be managed at home or if medical help is necessary. Determine whether the situation requires immediate attention or if it can wait a few hours. By carefully analyzing the symptoms and their progression, you can make a more informed decision regarding your child's healthcare needs.

The Power of Parental Intuition:

Remember, you know your child best. Your intuition is a culmination of what you have observed, experienced, and understood about your little one's well-being. This understanding of your child's normal behavior is individual and immensely valuable when it comes to assessing illness. There are several studies to support this.

For instance, a study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing in 2006 found that when parents strongly felt their child was severely sick, it was a reliable predictor of a more serious illness. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2013 revealed that parental concern, particularly when parents believed something was seriously wrong with their child, was associated with a higher likelihood of the child having a severe illness.

Striking a Balance:

So, here's the deal: trust your intuition, but balance it with objective observations. Your gut feeling, combined with a careful assessment, can help you make the right choices about your child's health and happiness. If you are worried, there is likely a good reason why, you are your child’s best health advocate and a trip to the doctor is never wasted. Remember, you've got this!