
How did your family take care of minor injuries?
With a lot of love, and the magic kiss to make it better. I grew up when you didn’t complain about the little things. There was always a grazed knee, or a bruise, where you ran about like a mad person bumping into things.
Did you have home remedies you used?
No, but Lucozade was a drink to cure all ailments. From an upset stomach, to flu, to a headache, it was used to make things better. I hated the stuff, especially since, when I had measles, that I threw the stuff up.
What was the typical way to care for a cold or flu at your house?
My dad’s remedy for the flu was a hot toddy. Whisky and hot milk. He would put a silk scarf around his neck and the next morning his sore throat would b gone. Mind you, I wasn’t allowed this particular remedy until I was eighteen.
Were you pampered when you were sick/hurt or told to buck up and deal with it?
I was looked after, and I could lay on the sofa and Mum would give me lots of fluid, and I could watch my favourite programmes. I used to have a cover put over me, and I would read comics, and rest. Even as an adult, I prefer to be on the sofa when I’m recovering from the flu, or a cold.
When you got sick as a kid did you stay home, or did you have to go to school?
I didn’t like school much. I was bullied as a child, and would often feign illness to not go. Although one day it was because a new sofa was being delivered and I wanted to see it arrive. I spent the afternoon jumping on the old sofa in the garden. Although they never believed me after that, and when I was really ill had to go to school.
Did a parent stay home with you, or did you fend for yourself?
Mum used to stay at home to look after me, but she worked in the school kitchens, and was able to take the time off.
Was a doctor visited when you had a minor injury or illness?
Normally a doctor visited when I had a temperature, and Mum and Dad wanted to make sure it was nothing more serious. Back then having things like measles could cause serious harm to your eyes, so I had to be in a dark room without any light to make sure I was okay.
Did you ever have a major illness or injury growing up? How did it impact your life?
Not really, I fell down a flight of stairs when I was fourteen, and had to have physio therapy on my back for a while. I missed a few Geography lessons because the hospital appointments were during those lessons. I was learning to type, and back then we learnt on heavy typewriters. The stairs were steep and as I leant forward, I rolled right to the bottom. I didn’t notice until two weeks later and I couldn’t get off the sofa.
Thanks for joining in. I can only imagine how frightening it must have been falling down stairs. I’m glad there weren’t major injuries.
We never had doctors visit us at home. What a great way to provide health care.
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This is going candid here, but my Mom was very nurturing when I was 4 years old and had to get my tonsils out. She did everything she could to take my mind off the scary hospital setting. Though later if I’d catch a stomach flu or a cold, she’d be oddly indifferent and kind of fault me for being sick. My Dad was the one who would care for me as an older child/teen when I’d feel ill.
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I often got the feeling that my being sick was an inconvenience to my mom.
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😦 Aw. Yeah I think sometimes parents get busy and a sick kid becomes another thing on their plate, but they forget their littles really need that care and love when those things happen.
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Well, my mom was a single parent for the most part and working multiple jobs didn’t allow for time off.
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Yes that must have been a huge challenge for her – and for you as a kid, too. Single moms are true warriors I think!
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I agree.
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Looking back, Mum used to go to work because she couldn’t aff0rd to stay off, but she made sure I had everything I needed, plus she got the school holidays off.
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It sounds like you had good care. I loved your story about the sofa. I fell down the steps when I was pregnant. It was frightening. I can understand how sore you must have been.
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gees Diana! You rolled down the stairs? OMG! You were lucky you werent killed! Xx
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Yes, at the time I just got up. It was two weeks later I found out I cracked a bone in my spine. I had physio therapy, which helped.
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