As a mom, you know that kids seem to be a magnet for sicknesses and injuries. Seriously, I don’t know how they do it. One minute, they’re running around like little tornadoes, and the next, they’re laid out on the couch, clutching their stomachs or nursing some bizarre injury that only a kid could manage. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably dealt with a few of these fun little situations. And as a nurse, let me tell you, I’ve seen it all—sometimes with Jenny and Sam front and center in the chaos.

Let’s start with a buckle fracture. The pic above is Sam getting a cast put on when she was 3. Yep, buckle fracture falling off a chair. If you’ve ever had to rush to the ER for a kid who fell off their bike (or trampoline—don’t get me started on those things), you’re not alone. Buckle fractures are one of the most common bone injuries for kids, and it usually happens when they fall onto an outstretched hand. The bone doesn’t break all the way through but instead buckles or bends, which sounds so much worse than it really is. Thankfully, these heal pretty fast with some rest and a splint. But trust me, when Rob had to deal with one of those at 6 a.m. while I was at work, we learned quickly that every parent needs to know where the nearest urgent care is.

Then there’s roseola. Ah yes, roseola—aka the virus that likes to show up without warning and leave you wondering if your child’s body is running a fever or a furnace. It typically hits kids under 2, and it starts with a high fever that magically disappears before a rash appears. We’ve had our fair share of these, and while the rash might look scary, it’s pretty harmless. Just plenty of fluids, fever reducers, and a lot of patience. Sam once got roseola right before his birthday. Talk about terrible timing! But hey, it didn’t stop him from blowing out his candles… after a nap.

Speaking of things that make us moms roll our eyes in exasperation, backpack-itis is real. Especially when Jenny decides that her backpack should contain everything but the kitchen sink. You’d think a 13-year-old could figure out that hauling around an extra 20 pounds of homework and snacks is a bad idea, but nope. It’s not unusual for kids to complain of shoulder pain or even posture issues from heavy backpacks. I’ve told her time and time again to pack lighter, but somehow every single thing she’s ever needed must come with her to school. Maybe one day she’ll learn, or maybe I’ll just start sending her off in a rolling suitcase.

Now, on to the classic strep throat. This is one that has haunted us on more than one occasion. And if you’ve ever had the joy of dealing with a kid who’s suddenly too sick to swallow anything, you know the feeling. It comes on fast—usually with a sore throat, fever, and a touch of a rash. A quick trip to the doctor for a strep test is usually all it takes to confirm it. Jenny got it once, and I swear she went from fine to “I can’t talk” in about 24 hours. And don’t even think about skipping the antibiotics, because that’s the fastest way to get rid of it. Trust me, it’s worth the fight.

The common cold—ugh. You know that moment when your kid says, “I’m fine,” but then five minutes later, they’re coughing, sneezing, and basically giving everyone around them a full-on germ shower? I’ll never forget the first time I had to deal with the flu and the common cold in the same season. It was chaos. Jenny had the sniffles one week, Sam caught it the next, and Rob and I were just trying to avoid the germ-fest that was taking place in our house. Pro tip: A humidifier, tissues by the ton, and a healthy stash of vitamin C will get you through. And maybe a few gallons of hot soup.

Head bumps. If you have kids who are as active as mine, you know exactly what I mean. One minute they’re fine, the next—BOOM—a head-to-head collision with the coffee table. I’m not even exaggerating. It happens at least once a week. The first thing I do is check for a bump (or a bruise) and make sure they’re acting normal. If they are, and it’s not too bad, a little ice and TLC is all they need. But if they’re dizzy or upset, I’m on the phone with the pediatrician faster than you can say “concussion.” It’s never a dull moment.

And let’s not forget bloody noses. For some reason, this happens a lot more in our house than I’d like to admit. Maybe it’s because Sam is always running around with no sense of caution, or maybe it’s just the dry Florida air. Either way, a bloody nose is inevitable, and it’s almost always at the most inconvenient time—like right before school pictures. I keep tissues everywhere and teach them to pinch their nose and lean forward (because learning that lesson is like pulling teeth). Usually, a little pressure and some time on the couch will do the trick.

Chickenpox. Remember when this was a thing? If you’re lucky, your kids may get it in the early years, and you can just chalk it up as another thing that’s part of childhood. But let me tell you, chickenpox is no fun. I thought we were in the clear because we had Jenny and Sam vaccinated, but a few years ago, a few friends came down with it, and suddenly I felt like I was on chickenpox watch. If your kid gets it, be prepared for a few itchy days, some Calamine lotion, and lots of cuddles. And probably some extra TV time because let’s face it, no one wants to be bouncing around when their skin feels like it’s on fire.

Kids and injuries or illnesses are just part of the deal. They fall, they catch bugs, and sometimes they just need a good rest. We do our best to keep them healthy and safe, but let’s face it—life happens. And when it does, all we can do is try to stay calm, be patient, and let the healing begin.

Joke of the day: What’s a mom’s favorite exercise?
Running late!