As a child, one of my favourite parts of getting sick was the feeling of being cared for. And no, I’m not just talking about being allowed to miss school.

My parents have never really been the ’showy’, affectionate types. But, I do remember enjoying the warmth of my parents’ arms, as they carried me to bed when I fell asleep on the sofa. And, the joy of having homemade soup to comfort my aches and pains. And, how my mom rubbed Vicks on my back and on my chest - and put a warm towel on my head when there was a need for such.

I also recall how my dad used to fill a basin full of warm water (with salt) to give me a foot and leg bath/massage. I can still almost feel my trepidation whenever my toes touched the hot water, which immediately got replaced by relaxation as soon as the soothing feeling took over.

The days of my parents taking care of me in such ways have long been gone, of course. But, I will always remember those moments, especially as I take care of my own kids whenever they’re feeling unwell.

Now, as a parent, I realise just how difficult it is to watch someone you love so much to be in any kind of pain. Especially when you feel helpless to take it all away.

Right now, my four year old still believes that I can kiss and hug away his hurts. I know that this will not always be the case. So, I want to be able to be there - to kiss and to hug every bit of scrape and bump and disappointment that he has - while I can. And, of course, it’s the same for my growing baby girl too.

Yes, the three of us (myself, my boy and my girl) have felt a bit under the weather today. My boy still remained his lively self. But, my girl and I ended up spending a lot of time sleeping and resting - most of the time, in each other’s arms.

I hope that one day, they too will remember these moments of feeling cared for, whenever they feel unwell.

What about you? Do you remember what it was like when you were sick as a child? What were your favourite home remedies? And as a grown up, what are your current favourite home remedies?