261. How to Care for a Caregiving Friend

Chances are someone you know will have a sick child hospitalized at some point. In this episode, Melissa explains how you can best support that parent and caregiver. Melissa herself has had two of her kiddos hospitalized so her suggestions come from lived experiences.

First, Melissa discusses the practical physical items you can bring to a caregiver in the hospital: toiletries, quality food, and a kettle or wand for warm drinks. She also describes some digital gifts that you can send. Then she describes what little acts of service you can do: doing the laundry, lending an ear, and taking care of the siblings of the hospitalized child.

Sometimes caregivers are so overwhelmed or shy that they don’t know what to ask for. If your friend is having trouble expressing what they need, start with the items in this episode and then go from there.

Resources:

• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.
• Melissa’s Medical Summary Template
• The embroidery kits mentioned in the episode can be found at cozybluehandmade.com
• Check out libro.fm to buy audiobooks from independent sellers (rather than Amazon/Audible)
• Here are the nice pens Melissa mentioned in the episode: Jetpens.com
• Check out the Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Virtually wonder through the Brave Writer Book Shop
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs 
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
• Check out the Brave Writer Fall Class Schedule 
• Join Brave Writer 101
• Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
• Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media