Before I went “dad,” I was a non-dad. Or rather, someone who wasn’t a parent. With that came several preconceived notions about the role of a parent, how to maintain one’s child, and many other false opinions. One such concept was that parents should keep a closer eye on their youngling’s runny nose. I wasn’t fond of that drip and didn’t think others were either. When my daughter (code name “R”) had her first snotty nose, it completely shattered my illusion. I no longer saw a drippy nose threatening to smother me in slimy gook. All I could see was a very uncomfortable little girl doing whatever she could to enjoy life. I also realized that consistently wiping R’s nose increased that suffering.
Tissue tantrums are to be feared
Tissues suck. As adults, we know this and have come to terms with it. Even so, there are fancy tissues that promise to be soft. These have added lotions and other features designed to remedy the fact that you’re rubbing a rough paper product against your very soft and delicate nose. After years of practice, we’ve grown a thick skin and learned to take it. Unfortunately, fresher humans don’t have that and don’t understand why wiping their nose is needed, especially when it causes more discomfort than just leaving it alone. This is recognized quickly, and they soon relate a tissue approaching their nose as a source of pain that must be avoided at all costs. There isn’t much a baby can do to prevent the tissue. But toddlers stand off against the infamous tissue with their only weapon at hand; the tissue tantrum.
A tissue tantrum happens when a toddler sees a tissue moving towards their nose. At first, they move away from the tissue. However, once it becomes clear that the tissue cannot be avoided, there may be a few expressions of the word no, leading into a complete screaming frenzy designed to discomfort any adult nearby. It’s a pretty intelligent tactic, as I would prefer to leave that nose drippy (at home at least) than face the wrath of R (and cause her even more discomfort).
Some tips for working with a toddler with a cold
I’m not a medical professional, so I won’t recommend medicines, remedies, or that magic formula that instantly resolves their (or your) suffering. Mainly because this doesn’t exist. Regardless, here’s what I do with my daughter:
If there’s a fever, reduce it with a tepid bath or medication as recommended by a pediatrician
If her nose runs a lot, carry some tissues, and keep it from getting “out of hand,” but don’t wipe away the second a drop of snot is seen, however always try and remove it before it dries (crusty snot is snot fun)
Provide some lukewarm children’s tea. It seems to either help her feel better or increase fluid intake based on the novelty of drinking tea
If she’s cuddly and miserable, cuddle with her and give her the comfort she seeks
What I’ve learned
When I see a toddler’s nose running around, I no longer judge the parents by whether or not they cleaned it quickly. Instead, I’ve learned to respect their choice to wait a bit longer before introducing a tissue to the equation. This choice isn’t simply to avoid the tissue tantrum but a preference to minimize their child’s suffering over what others might think of their ability to manage their kid’s nose.
Is there a remedy that helps your little one manage a cold? Help out a dad by sharing it in the comments below.