Prepared Not Scared

What to do when illness hits and the Doctor office is closed

Kids getting sick over Christmas feels almost guaranteed, and it always seems to happen when clinics are shut, everyone’s travelling, or you’re meant to be at lunch in 20 minutes. In this episode, Penny and Sarah walk you through how to stay calm, confident and prepared when illness strikes at the least convenient time.

▶︎ Why kids get sick so often over Christmas
Travel, crowds, heat, late nights, disrupted routines and what this means for your child’s immune system.

▶︎ Your holiday illness action plan
What’s normal, what needs monitoring, and when it’s time to escalate. Clear steps to help you make decisions without second-guessing yourself.

▶︎ The “Summer Sick Kit” essentials
What to keep on hand to avoid last-minute stress, including practical tools, medications and comfort items.

▶︎ How and where to get help
Who to contact, what services are open, and how to get support when your usual GP isn’t available.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens 

Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education

Disclaimer

The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

Talking to children about traumatic events is one of the hardest parts of parenting *especially* when the news is everywhere and details feel overwhelming.

In this bonus mini-episode of Prepared, Not Scared, Sarah is joined by child psychologist Deirdre Brandner to explore how to support children after distressing events, without frightening them or giving more information than they need.

This episode was recorded in response to recent events in Australia at Bondi Beach and is designed to help parents navigate tough conversations with calm, clarity and care.

▶︎ Why children don’t need to witness an event to be affected
▶︎ How to start the conversation using age-appropriate language
▶︎ What to say (and what not to say) when children have big feelings
▶︎ Why routines, reassurance and predictability are so important
▶︎ How to keep communication open without over-exposing children to distressing information

You don’t need the perfect words.
You just need to be calm, honest and available.

A gentle, practical guide for parents wanting to support their children through challenging times — while preserving emotional safety and a sense of normalcy.

Prepared, not scared.

Lifeline
📞 13 11 14
24/7 crisis support for adults and parents feeling overwhelmed, anxious or distressed.

Beyond Blue
📞 1300 22 4636
Support for anxiety, stress and low mood, including guidance for supporting children.

Kids Helpline
📞 1800 55 1800
For children and young people aged 5–25 years.
Also offers webchat and email support.

Headspace / eheadspace
Mental health support for young people aged 12–25 years, available in centres and online.

Helping you navigate boundaries, crowds and big feelings this festive season

Christmas is joyful… but it can also be loud, busy, and full of pressure from well-meaning relatives. In this episode, Penny and Sarah walk you through the non-illness challenges parents face at this time of year, and how to handle them calmly and confidently.

▶︎ Boundaries around babies
Helpful ways to navigate cuddles, kisses, photos and “just pass them here!” moments.

▶︎ When relatives turn up sick
A non-medical, relationship-friendly approach to protecting your baby without creating conflict.

▶︎ Simple, effective scripts
Short phrases you can use when you’re put on the spot: no guilt, no over-explaining.

▶︎ Reducing overwhelm for kids
Practical strategies for managing noise, crowds, stimulation and family expectations.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens 

Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education

Disclaimer

The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

Tiny blisters, big disruption. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah explain what Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) really is, why it spreads so quickly, and how to care for kids (and yourself) when it hits.

With calm, practical advice, Penny and Sarah help you navigate the chaos of outbreaks with confidence, no panic, just preparation.

Key Topics Discussed:
▶︎ What Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is and how it spreads
▶︎ Who it affects and why early childhood settings see it so often
▶︎ How to recognise symptoms and prevent dehydration
▶︎ When children need to stay home and when they can return
▶︎ Comfort care: hydration, pain relief, soft foods, rest
▶︎ Simple hygiene steps to reduce spread
▶︎ Supporting children and families during outbreaks

Additional Resources:

Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens 

Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education

Disclaimer

The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

When a storm rolls in after a hot, windy, high-pollen day, it can do more than just bring rain. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah unpack thunderstorm asthma: how weather patterns can trigger serious breathing difficulties, and why awareness and preparation matter.

This episode walks you through practical prevention steps and clear action plans to keep families, schools, and communities safe during high-risk weather.

Key Topics Discussed:
▶︎ What thunderstorm asthma is and how it happens
▶︎ How storms turn pollen into dangerous airborne particles
▶︎ Who’s most at risk:  including people with mild or undiagnosed asthma or hayfever
▶︎ Lessons from Melbourne’s 2016 thunderstorm asthma event
▶︎ How to stay informed with pollen and storm forecasts
▶︎ Why updated asthma action plans and inhalers are essential
▶︎ What to do if someone starts wheezing or has trouble breathing

Additional Resources:

Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens 

Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

If everyone starts sneezing the minute the wattle blooms, it might not be a cold: it’s probably hayfever. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah explain what hayfever (allergic rhinitis) actually is, how to spot the difference from a virus, and what you can do to manage it.

Key Topics Discussed:

▶︎ What hayfever (allergic rhinitis) actually is, and why it’s not a cold

▶︎ Seasonal vs perennial hayfever and common triggers

▶︎ How hayfever affects kids, adults, and those with asthma or eczema

▶︎ Practical prevention: checking pollen forecasts, closing windows, and post-outdoor showers

▶︎ Treatment options: antihistamines, nasal sprays, and saline rinses

▶︎ How to help children recognise early symptoms

▶︎ Why managing hayfever improves sleep, focus, and overall wellbeing

Additional Resources:

Pollen Forecasts: www.pollenforecast.com.au

Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens

Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education

Saline rinse information

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

Welcome back to Prepared Not Scared.

This is *the* podcast that helps parents feel prepared, not scared, when illness or injury strikes.

In Season 3, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah dive into the everyday health worries that send families searching for answers. From hayfever and thunderstorm asthma to dehydration, hand, foot and mouth disease, and more, they unpack what’s happening, why it happens, and how to handle it calmly.

This season is full of practical guidance, real stories, and simple steps to make sick days less stressful for everyone. Because sickness is inevitable, but panic doesn’t have to be.

Dehydration isn’t just about feeling thirsty, it’s when the body runs low on the fluid it needs to function, and it can happen faster than you think, especially in kids. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah break down what dehydration really is, who’s most at risk, and how to spot the early signs before things escalate.

Key Topics Discussed:

▶︎ What dehydration actually means (and why thirst isn’t the first sign)
▶︎ Why babies and kids dehydrate faster than adults
▶︎ Early warning signs: from dry lips to no tears
▶︎ Common triggers: heat, illness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and busy play
▶︎ How dehydration can impact mood, energy, and brain function
▶︎ Tips for prevention: water breaks, fun cups, and healthy hydration habits
▶︎ What to do if your child becomes dehydrated
▶︎ When dehydration becomes an emergency

A big thanks to our sponsor, Kidhy, for supporting this episode of Prepared Not Scared.

If you’ve ever tried to convince a sick child to take just one sip of water, or watched a full drink bottle come home from preschool, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why two Aussie mums created Hydra Helpa by Kidhy: a tasty hydrating water infusion made just for kids, with added electrolytes, prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy tummies and growing bodies.

Hydra Helpa is designed to help kids stay hydrated: on sick days, hot days, and even the “I don’t like water” days. Learn more (and try it for yourself) at kidhy.com

Understanding Pain in Children: How to Recognise and Relieve It Safely

Pain in children can be tricky, especially when they’re too young to explain what hurts. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah unpack how to recognise, assess, and manage pain in babies, toddlers, and older kids.

They cover how pain presents in non-verbal children, common causes like teething, illness, or minor injuries, and how to tell the difference between general discomfort and signs that something more serious is going on. You’ll learn practical non-medication strategies to soothe your child, as well as how to use paracetamol and ibuprofen safely and effectively.

Penny and Sarah also bust a few common myths around pain relief and fever, and share essential tips for tracking medication to avoid accidental overdose. When you’re exhausted and worried, having a clear system really matters.

This episode will leave you feeling informed, calm, and confident the next time your child is in pain.

Key Topics Discussed:

▶︎ Signs of pain in babies and non-verbal children
▶︎ Common causes of pain: teething, illness, injury, post-surgery
▶︎ Comfort-based care: cuddles, distraction, breastfeeding, and more
▶︎ Using paracetamol and ibuprofen safely
▶︎ How to avoid double dosing with medication trackers
▶︎ What to do if your child vomits medicine
▶︎ When pain is a red flag and you need to see a doctor
▶︎ Myths about fever and pain relief, and what you really need to know

Additional Resources:

Medicine Tracker

Poisons Hotline 131126

Medicine Hotline 1300MEDICINE 

Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens
Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education 

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.

Understanding and managing childhood rashes: Practical tips for parents

Rashes can be one of the most confusing and anxiety-inducing symptoms in childhood. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah break down what’s normal, what’s not, and how to confidently assess and manage your child’s rash.

They explain the different types of rashes: viral, allergic, heat-related, and bacterial, and guide you through the “blanching vs non-blanching” test to help you recognise red flags early. You’ll also learn when to seek medical attention, how to manage itchy or painful rashes at home, and what to know about contagious rashes and childcare exclusions.

This episode is packed with practical, no-panic advice to help you feel more in control when those mystery spots appear.

Key Topics Discussed:

▶︎ Common types of rashes in kids: viral, allergic, heat, and bacterial
▶︎ The glass test: how to identify non-blanching rashes
▶︎ Red flags: fever, irritability, vomiting, behaviour changes
▶︎ Home care tips: antihistamines, cool compresses, infection prevention
▶︎ When to call the GP, go to hospital, or dial 000
▶︎ Contagious rashes and navigating childcare policies
▶︎ Understanding meningococcal disease and the importance of vaccination

Additional Resources:
Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens
Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education


Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.