Plundering the Toolbox

I've decided to change the name of this Blog in order to give it more focus for Parents who might choose to use it.  The new title is The Parent's Toolbox.

During my first season as a new Pediatric PA 30 years ago, I was practicing in Jacksonville, Florida.  One Saturday as I perused an estate sale in one of the older, more prolific neighborhoods near the St. John's river, I came across an old fashioned Carpenter's toolbox.

It was made of heavy wood, about 3 feet oblong, and obviously meant to carry many tools.  I've moved a million times since that first job, but that old, wooden Carpenter's toolbox has traveled with me to each new home and practice.  It has held tools, paint, books, toys, and flowers.

I think of that toolbox now as I write to you.  After 30 years of treating children and supporting Parents as they tenaciously rumble through raising their children, I feel I have a few practical, "on the go" and "middle of the night" tools that will help you hold the reigns tightly when a virus or some other illness tries to gallop away with your child.  Sometimes it feels like a runaway train...other days it's simply a long journey in the same direction, one foot in front of the other, one day at a time (and sometimes one breath at a time.)

Of course, these are suggestions that you can use in a practical way, but NEVER should replace having your child seen by your family Pediatrician, Pediatric PA, or NP.  When in doubt, go to the nearest Emergency Department, Urgent Care, or Pediatrics practice if you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach that says, "something's not right" with your child.  Trust your gut.  Hopefully, these suggestions will give you practical tools that you can use to get through the night until you can see your Pediatrician first thing in the morning.

So, put on your Carpenter's apron:  we're going to "build" a healthy child.  Let's go!