Sick moms happen – but there’s no such thing as calling in! If you’re facing a cold, flu or worse and find yourself sick with kids, here are my best tips for how to survive and recover as painlessly as possible.
this post originally went live in April of 2017 and has since been updated
I’m fortunate enough that in my almost 7 years of being a mom, I can count on one hand the times I’ve been really sick.
While I’ve had many a cold and lived through rough morning sickness twice, nothing has been so bad that I felt unable to care for my kids.
That being said, no one’s luck lasts forever. In the years since originally writing this post, i’ve had more colds than I can count, a family wide stomach bug, the flu, and horrible “it’s a girl!” morning sickness.
Any parent will tell you – there is nothing worse than being sick and having kids to take care of.
Tips for When You’re Sick with Kids
That being said, over the years I’ve learned some great tips for how to handle a mom sick day. Today, I’m sharing those tips with you!
Containment. (of illnesses and children)
If your kids don’t have it yet, make a solid attempt at keeping it from them. Here are my best tips for keeping baby from getting sick when mom is.
This means lots of handwashing, sanitizing, vitamin C, etc. To be honest, my kids usually get me sick so it’s not my biggest concern,
Next, focus on the containment of your children. This will keep kiddos safe and happy so you can rest and recuperate.
Find an entertaining room and totally baby-proof the heck outta that place. Block of the exits and keep them in there.
This way, you’re not chasing kids around and if you start to drift off or catch a nap, your momma senses will tingle at any kind of issue.
Entertain.
Grab a stack of their favorite movies and have a marathon.
Break out some toys they haven’t seen in a while.
Do some arts and crafts, stream their favorite Youtube videos, dump the entire bin of toys on the ground and let them make snow angels out of toy cars.
Whatever it is, pick some low-key ways to entertain your kids and let them have at it. The longer they are happily entertaining themselves, the better.
Bribery = easier sick mom day.
This is not the time to abide by all of your perfect parenting rules.
So if that means snacks that are usually a treat, extra screen time, or promising a new toy – seriously, just go for it. You can go cold turkey after and get them back on track, but when you’re truly sick with kids, it’s survival mode.
And finally: Recruitment.
When possible, recruit someone to come over and watch your kids or take them somewhere.
Even if it’s just for an hour or two so you can sleep in peace, do it. Your mind and body will thank you and you’ll recover a bit faster. This is not the time to play SuperMom and to be a martyr.
Accept help that is offered. Sometimes being a parent means putting your first so you can better take care of your kids. This is one of those situations.
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Bless you, Morgan. I know I will be needing this!