How to Overcome Obstacles When Caring for a Sick Child

(Especially One Who Pushes Back on Everything)

Caring for a sick child is never easy - but caring for a sick child who refuses every suggestion you make? That’s a whole different level of motherhood.

Recently, my son came down with one of those stomach viruses that hits out of nowhere - overnight vomiting, diarrhea, then a lingering fever and congestion. And on top of feeling miserable, he became even more particular about what he would eat, drink, or participate in. If you have a strong-willed or very particular child, you already know: convincing them to rest, hydrate, or take something supportive can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops.

But here’s the truth I rediscovered through this experience:

Kids are far more willing when they feel like something is their idea. And sometimes, as moms, we have to get creative to make that happen.

Here’s what helped us - and what might help you, too.

1. Make Nourishment Feel Safe, Not Forced. When kids don’t feel well, they want control. Losing control of their body (vomiting, dizziness, fatigue) makes them cling harder to the one thing they CAN control - what goes in their mouth.

What worked for us:

 • Offering choices, not commands. Instead of “Drink this,” I tried: “Do you want the cold cup or the warm cup?” “Would you like apple slices or crackers first?” Giving simple, binary choices reduces overwhelm and increases cooperation.

 • Letting him pick the plate, cup, or bowl. The empowerment effect is real. The Spider-Man cup can solve 80% of problems. 😅

 • Creating a “Sick Day Snack Tray.” I put 3–5 small options on a muffin tin: a few berries, a salty snack, bone broth in a small cup, a popsicle. He loved the “buffet.”

2. Sneaking in Probiotics (The Creative Way). Once his stomach settled, I wanted to get probiotics in to help rebuild his gut and shorten the duration of symptoms. But he refused anything that looked healthy.

So… we got sneaky. A few kid-approved tricks:

 • Probiotic powder mixed in a popsicle. I opened the capsule and mixed it into a homemade electrolyte popsicle. He didn’t detect a thing.

 • Stirred into “fun foods.” A small sprinkle into:

 • applesauce

 • yogurt (if tolerated)

 • smoothie sips

 • a drizzle of honey (just a drop for taste stimulation if age-appropriate)

 • Calling it a “tummy helper sprinkle.” The rebrand alone worked wonders.

Kids respond to language. “Medicine” = no.

“Tummy sprinkles” = absolutely yes.

3. Make Resting Feel Like an Adventure. Most sick kids fight rest as soon as they feel a tiny bit better. Here’s how we turned resting into something he wanted to do:

Resting strategies that worked:

 • “Couch Fort Healing Zone.” Blankets, pillows, favorite stuffed animals. Rest becomes a “mission.”

 • Audiobooks or calming music instead of screens for overstimulated days.

 • Quiet-time challenges. Like “Let’s see if you can stay cozy for this whole chapter.”

 • Mom snuggles. Physical comfort activates co-regulation, which helps their immune system calm down.

4. Support Their Body Without Overcomplicating It. When kids are sick, simple is best. Their digestive system is already working hard. Quick supportive tips:

 • Hydrate in small, frequent sips. Room-temperature fluids digest better.

 • Stick to BRAT-style options temporarily (if vomiting/diarrhea): bananas, rice, applesauce, toast + bone broth, simple proteins when tolerated.

 • Avoid dairy in the acute phase. It can worsen mucus and digestive symptoms in some children.

 • Gentle electrolytes over sugary sports drinks.

5. Give Yourself Grace, Too. Kids are allowed to be difficult when they feel miserable. Moms are allowed to feel overwhelmed when we’re trying our best. What matters most is showing up with:

 • patience

 • creativity

 • nourishment

 • and a soft place for them to land

Even when it’s messy. Even when they refuse everything you offer. Even when you’re exhausted too.

This week reminded me that:

 • Healing isn’t linear

• Kids have their own unique rhythms

• And sometimes, the best strategy is simply meeting them where they are

We eventually got him hydrated, nourished, and resting - all through connection first, creativity second, and nutrition third.

If you’re navigating a stubborn sick-day child right now - deep breath. You’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think.

By: Ashley Caputo, RN