My child has been throwing up all day. Sleep was elusive last night for both of us, and now his fever is at a concerning 103—even after giving him fever reducers. What should my course of action be?
No, I’m not looking for recommendations. I’m sharing a scenario I stumbled upon in a parenting group online. There are countless posts just like it—many of them popping up every day. Parents are posting videos of their kids with irregular breathing, spreading rashes, and relentless coughing fits.
As a mother of four, I’d like to have a candid conversation with you. If you’re tempted to seek advice from social media regarding your child’s health, think again. Rather than sharing updates with a bunch of strangers, focus on what really matters: take your child to see a doctor. It’s that straightforward.
I completely understand that heading to the ER at odd hours isn’t enjoyable, nor is spending your Saturday morning at urgent care amidst other sick individuals. I sympathize with those parents clinging to their feverish children in the pediatrician’s waiting area—everyone’s discomfort is palpable.
Having a sick child is one of the toughest challenges a parent can face. It’s not just hard on the little one, but the entire family feels the impact. You worry about contagion. Should you disinfect every surface or just snuggle with your child? How can you dash out for over-the-counter medicine when you can’t leave their side? Did you remember to stock up on cough drops during your last grocery trip?
I get it. But let’s be real: the people in your online mom group—even if some claim to be healthcare professionals—are not equipped to assess your child’s health or offer a proper diagnosis. You could be getting advice from anyone, and when it comes to your child’s health, that’s not a risk worth taking.
As an experienced mom, I often cringe at the sight of posts detailing a toddler’s vomiting episodes or parents asking “How much blood is too much?”
Your child’s symptoms might be typical for this time of year—think stomach bugs, colds, or hand-foot-mouth disease. It’s that season for germs after all. I genuinely wish that a little ginger ale, chicken soup, and a cozy couch would resolve the issue.
But what if it’s something more serious? What if your child’s irregular breathing is indicative of RSV or pneumonia? What if your teen’s extreme fatigue and excessive thirst signal the beginnings of type 1 diabetes? What if your preschooler’s rash and vomiting suggest strep throat that necessitates antibiotics? Or what if your seven-year-old’s rising fever is the onset of the flu?
I’m not trying to scare you, but let’s be clear: the best person to evaluate and treat your child is a qualified doctor—not random parents on the internet. Seek out the professional with a medical degree and the authority to prescribe treatment. Don’t be swayed by someone trying to sell you essential oils when you’re overwhelmed.
Every time I see a thread responding to a distressed parent, I wonder if I’ve entered another dimension. Much of the advice is simply absurd, and I hope the distressed parents are wise enough to disregard it.
For instance, a child with an unexplained rash shouldn’t be subjected to an ice bath just because a grandma swears by it. A child with a 104-degree fever won’t magically recover after drinking a smoothie from an MLM seller. And no, applying breast milk to a tween’s migraine isn’t a solution.
While I’m all for healthy living—like organic foods, fresh air, and natural remedies—treating an illness without a proper diagnosis is futile.
It sounds outrageous, but if you’ve spent time in online parenting groups, you understand my point. Then there are the sensible parents who simply say: “Get your child to the doctor ASAP.”
I’m not suggesting that every sniffle or tummy ache merits a visit to the pediatrician, of course. But if your child has a high fever, can’t keep food down, is unusually lethargic, has a strange rash, or can’t even walk—gather them up with a blanket and head to the doctor. Don’t waste time crafting a post for your favorite parenting group.
Instead, focus your efforts on caring for your child. Be the responsible adult who takes their little one to a medical professional. There will be plenty of time later to chat with other parents while you cuddle your recovering child on the couch.
For more insights on health-related topics, feel free to read this post on breathing difficulties or check out this excellent resource on infertility.
Summary
In moments of parental distress, it’s crucial to prioritize your child’s health over seeking advice from unqualified sources online. Professionals are best suited to diagnose and treat medical issues. Instead of turning to social media, visit a doctor when your child shows concerning symptoms, ensuring they receive the proper care they need.