The Croup Sounds Like a Rock Band, Not a Virus

Ladies and Gentlemen. I proudly introduce… The Croup [crowds screams wildly with excitement] performing their newest single Barking Seal!

But every parent knows The Croup, even though it may sound like the name of a rock band, is a terrible virus that knocks out kids. Those fevers may sneak up, but hearing the seal-like barking cough in the middle of the night can make any parent cringe for the inevitable.

Despite having battled almost every virus and infection a child could contract over the past six years, Croup is a first for us. Although I am concerned about my kid having this virus, what really freaks me out is his medication. The physician put Vman on steroids to make sure it doesn’t become more serious than it is. Asthma runs in my family and Vman had RSV as a child, which can make him more susceptible to lung problems.

Have you ever been on steroids? They can make you hyperactive… and having a hyperactive kid on hyperactive drugs is like hosting a science experiment just to see what will happen. Will we get Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde? Or perhaps Ironman?

Whenever I’ve been on steroids, I feel like someone gave me an overdose of adrenaline. In fact, the first time I took a steroid pack, I cleaned the bathroom nooks and crannies with a toothbrush at two o’clock in the morning. There was no way to turn off my brain, muscles and need to MOVE. It felt like my skin was crawling!

So do you want to take bets on how it will turn out for Vman? Here are some of my ideas:

  • Put socks on Vman and let him dust the wood floor as he scoots around as if on an iceskating rink
  • Direct him toward the toy room — perhaps he’ll actually clean it on his own and get everything in the right containers
  • Let him trot around the backyard in large circles to walk the dog
  • Make matching the socks a game so I can finally get them put away
  • Slap the vacuum into his hands and let him try out his muscles on our carpet

Until then, I think I’ll go cuddle up with my Vman and just let him know I love him.

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