What Actually Matters When Your Child Has a Fever

Seeing a high fever number can make any parent’s stomach drop.

In this episode, I walk you through the fever number that doesn’t actually matter — and what does matter when your child is sick, so you know when to act and when to breathe.

I’m Mary, a pediatric PA and a mom of three, and fever is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — symptoms parents worry about. Once you understand what a fever really is and how the body uses it on purpose, so much of the fear starts to fall away.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a fever really is (and why it’s not the enemy)
• Common fever myths that unnecessarily scare parents
• Why fevers from infection do not cause brain damage
• What actually triggers febrile seizures — and what doesn’t
• What’s normal for children’s temperatures at different ages
• How to take an accurate temperature without added stress
• When fever medicine helps — and when it isn’t needed
• The real red flags to watch for (behavior matters more than the number)

If there’s one thing I want you to remember, it’s this: 👉 Watch your child, not just the thermometer.

A child with a higher fever who is alert, drinking, and interacting can be far less concerning than a child with a lower fever who is lethargic or not acting like themselves.

This episode is here to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more confident the next time the thermometer beeps.

Important medical note: This content is for general pediatric education only and is not medical advice. Always contact your child’s healthcare provider if you’re concerned or something doesn’t feel right.

Want ongoing support? Fever is rarely a one-time situation. It’s part of a bigger pattern of sick days, symptoms, and decisions parents make again and again.

Inside the Confident Mom Community, we focus on building confidence that carries you through all of those moments — not just this one.

Learn more at www.missmarypa.com

Thanks for being here, friend. You’ve got this 💗