3yo always saying she is sick...

[melissa.r]

Recently my DD1 who is 3 1/2yo had croup and spent about a week sleeping on a mattress in our room. After this our DD2 (18mth old) also got croup. Since this time DD1 has been constantly saying she feels sick. I do not believe she is physically ill but is probably craving our attention (DD2 has had recurring tonsilitis throughout her life). I am just not sure how to respond to this? Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I have been trying to give her as much quality time as I can but it just doesn't seem to be working..

[melissa.r]

Sorry I just wanted to add: What should I actually say to her when she says she is sick? How should I respond in the moment?

[Heartwood]

Hmm, sounds like Bonnie (3yo) with her "I need something to eat." "I'm huuuungry."
I just start to give her a lengthy explanation about why we can't eat all day ya-da-ya-da and she soon forgets about eating to question what I'm blabbering about
Sorry it's nothing concrete. I've got nothing

[Rinelle]

I always treat it relatively seriously, since I never know if she's telling the truth or not. I ask where she's feeling sick, what sort of sick, get her to really describe it. Then ask HER what she thinks you should do about it. She might come up with some suggestions that surprise you.

Whenever Ezri finds out about something new, like a tummy ache, she says often that she's feeling it, I think it's part of the exploration of the concept. Usually it disappears after she's given it enough time and thought.

[BLUE]

my best offer is a blanket and pillow on the couch and a drink of water ( maybe with a straw ) they can lie there until they are better.

usually they are up and about super fast and i know not to worry anymore.

[Lisafnc]

We have this as well "I dont feel very well mummy". All started after she had gastro a few months back. Before that she had never been really sick. I just tell her to go have a little rest and it will make you feel better. Half the time she totters off to something else, the other half she is tired and emotional so some quiet time helps sort her out.

Funny thing was though last night she yells out and is yelling at me " get a towel mummy, get a towel mummy Im going to be sick! Bless her she was but in the towel no the bed

[~Harmony~]

got a bit of that bug here too after colds in March Also phantom tummyaches pop up as a stalling tactic. I usually respond with "Oh dear, do you feel like you're going to throw up?" which is usually "no" then follow up with suggesting she lie down and rest until she feels better, or actually go to bed if she's been doing it all day and I'm over it which usually elicits a response somthing like "No, I don't want to lie down, I just need something chocolatey" which is when I suggest she go and play if she's not really sick

[GreenGully]

Jack occasionally does this, I jsut ask him a few q's and soon its obvious tht he is not. My problem is that if he is really sick or in pain, he denies it (but still cries poor mite), which is a worry cos he won't tell me where he is sick/sore.

[Lysianna]

I think most of us as parents tend to treat our kids a little differently when they are sick. YK, more attention, maybe a trip to the doctor, special beds made up on the couch etc. So maybe when they try to tell us they are sick (when we're fairly sure they're not) its just them asking to be "specialed" for a little while?
When my 8 yr old does this, I go over the top with the 'patient' treatment, even as far as 'baby' treatment. She delights in it for a short time then just laughs at me before running of to her next adventure!

[sahras mum]

Same here! I ask just what is wrong, usually its a 'sore tum' in which case all DD wants is to sit on my lap and have her tum rubbed and a bit of attention.

"Special-ed' is a lovely term for it! Then again, I dont have others fighting for my attention so it's usually a delight to have Miss Independent want some mummy time!