Flare & Have kids | Arthritis Information

What are you suppose to do when you are flaring, not just any flare, but a whole body flare and have an on-the-go 4 year old? And you are the only person home with the 4 year old?

I don't know, if you figure it out let me know.I have a 3 1/2 year old and a 7 year old.

Ive had them several years so I've had every age.

They need to learn young there are days when its a quiet day.

The other day I had to stop and rest and my 3 year old said, "do your knees hurt?"

We have a dvd player in my room and we watch movies while I doze.

We read, or they use play doh while I sit and watch.

They are typical on the go kids so I make certain they know how to play independently AND how to pick up their own toys.

Really really really bad days I get their grandma, or as a last resort their bio/mom or my son to keep an eye on them..

Mine's three. It's tough some days. Nap when(if) they do and go to bed right after them don't do the dishes or laundry or any of the million and one things you think you have to do. It will be okay forcthe dishes to sit for a little while. Take care of yourself so you can take care of them. I know i know, easier said than done. It will all work out Joonie.Kathy
my daughter does the same thing with my pain, she asks if I hurt. She's learning early about arthritis and that mommy can't play all the time. Sad but true.

Sorry you are hurting so much right now. I agree with what the others have said. I might suggest trying to hire a mother's helper. A young tween that isn't quite ready for babysitting on their own, but could help break up the day and entertain your child for awhile. I wish I could offer you more suggestions. Best of luck to you and I hope you feel better soon.

Kim

Hi Joonie, just supple the tools for quiet play, lock all the doors and you will be surprised at how self sufficient they can be, I usually put a video on for mine, or colouring books and pencils on a table next to my bed, you'll work it out, it is tough and I do the guilt thing a fair bit, but we can only do what we can, good luck from Janie.I'd get a large plastic tub and fill it with "quiet toys", dvd's, books, etc....and put this away until you're in a bad flare. If the kids haven't played with these toys or watched these movies in a while it will be a treat for them, and quiet time for you. It won't work if you let them have these things all the time.........and depending on how often you need this, switch toys out, etc.Do you have a neighbor, family member or someone from your church with a little one? Maybe you can switch off play dates....when you're feeling well, you could watch her little one now and then, and then you you're down, she can watch yours.[QUOTE=Debrakay]I'd get a large plastic tub and fill it with "quiet toys", dvd's, books, etc....and put this away until you're in a bad flare. If the kids haven't played with these toys or watched these movies in a while it will be a treat for them, and quiet time for you. It won't work if you let them have these things all the time.........and depending on how often you need this, switch toys out, etc.[/QUOTE]

Great idea!!!! I am going to being having my 3rd son next month and I have been trying to get ready for the little guy, anyway, I took out all the baby toys and my 3 year old played for a long time with them.