The Boubons

Now that we’re past Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner, we’ve entered that five-week stretch I like to call Cold and Flu Season. We all got our flu shots this year, so I thought we were safe, but a strange and mysterious new super-villain has invaded our house. He came without warning and struck hard. His effects are lingering and annoying. His name is The Boubons.

His first victim was Bex. He caught her off guard and left her with a stuffy nose, headache, and a gross drip. Then I was down for the count with those same symptoms too. Now poor Boy Wonder has a grumbly cough, the sneezes, and a generally miserable disposition. So thanks to Mr. Boubons our home has been turned into an infirmary. for the past few days.

The Boubons may be strong but his power is not supreme. It’s true there is no cure for the common cold but there are a lot of little things we can do to suppress the symptoms until it goes away on its own. We have to do everything we can to keep our lives running on track. After all, Boy Wonder isn’t going to slow down because IncrediDad can’t keep up. 

Nyquil

I swear by this little bottle of cough syrup when I’ve been hit hard by the Boubons. If I take a dose of this right before bed, the symptoms usually go away long enough for me to get a full nights sleep, which is good for everyone in the morning.

Mucinex

Bex loves these pills. She takes them for a few days and they keep her IncrediMommy powers strong so she can keep up with Boy Wonder.

Vick’s Vapo–Rub

This incredible stuff is good for IncrediParents and their little sidekicks. IncrediGrammie uses it, Great-IncrediGranny uses it, and so do we. 

Slather up your chest, back, and neck with it. Then wrap a towel around your neck and tuck that into a big hoodie or sweatshirt. Now coat your feet with the Vapo-rub and cover them with big thick socks. Go get a full nights sleep and like a Christmas miracle, you’ll feel better in the morning. 

There isn’t a whole lot you can do for babies when they catch a cold so it’s nice to have this old stand-by to rely on for them. Thanks Mom and Granny for teaching my this trick over the years.

We hope that your family stays healthy, happy, and strong over the holiday season but no one knows when The Boubons might strike your home. Remember every parent can be an IncrediParent so strap on your mask, slip into your super suit and banish that villain using these helpful tips. Oh, and feel better soon!

1. Drink for relief:  Did you know that certain drinks can help treat a cold? They may not get rid of a cold but they could help ease some of your symptoms. Warm drinks can offer relief for your cough and help soothe and lubricate your throat. So when you’re trying to treat a cold, hot tea can be helpful.

2. Sleep it off: Sleep is essential for your body to rest and heal. Even though it won’t help you get rid of a cold, sleep allows your immune system to fight off infections. Plus, a humidifier can help you breathe better.

3. Keep things clean:  Make sure to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home and at work. And wash your hands frequently!

So IncrediParents, is there anything you use that I didn’t list here? We’d love to hear how other superheros banish this villain. Write back to us in the comments below.