My ER Evolution

I have 3 teens. All under one roof! My second child will be 14 soon. She is medically complex. Is there a way to just skip the teen years.

Last week, my daughter was sick. She was close to going to the emergency room. She ended up being able to be treated at home. But I thought to myself, "Times have really changed. I have really changed!” I did not run out the door to the emergency room at the first sign of her being sick. This was a big change from the mom I used to be.

For the first 5 years of my firstborn’s life, we spent at least one day a week at the doctor. Every little sniffle, fever, cough, sore throat, and strange rash, I took him immediately!

But now, I am a different mom. There are times that warrant a visit to the emergency room. It must be a “real” emergency, though. Blood and fevers do not scare me at all anymore.

Looking back, I realize how much calmer I am about the “little things." I can better assess whether we need medical attention. Time, cough assist machines, nebulizers, pulse oximeters, and feeding tubes will do that to a mom. It makes us unique, wiser, and strong enough to conquer anything!

The Family Support section offers a wide range of information and ideas from connecting with other parents for successfully getting through the teen years.