If there's one thing that's inevitable in the winter months, it's that someone in your household has been or will be sick. Having a child under the weather is one of the hardest parts of motherhood- no doubt about it.
But being sick as a mom really sucks too.
When Mom is sick, kids don't usually get the memo. Someone still has to pour the cheerios, pick up the Peppa Pig figurines, and wipe the butts. And we all know where the arrow points ---> mom.
Here are a few ways I've been coping as a sick, work-at-home mom over the past few days. None of these suggestions are rocket science, but sometimes it helps if someone else reminds you of the simple little things you have always known. I don't mind being that someone.
1. Get comfy.
Snatch those faded Aeropostale sweat pants you've owned since high school from the closet, and tie them tight. Slip your toes into your favorite furry house shoes, assemble the messy bun, and ta-da! You have successfully put on the sick mom's uniform.
Jeans are the enemy. Makeup is the enemy (just remember to moisturize). Do what makes you feel extra comfortable, even if it means walking around the house using your favorite furry blanket as a poncho. And I'm saying from experience, it's not a bad idea.
No one is winning style awards this week. This is about feeling better, and I promise putting on real pants and a bra will not make you feel better when you are in the trenches, raising children and fighting off the flu. Give yourself a few days to be comfy, and let the girls fly.
2. Crockpot & takeout.
Survival is the name of the game this week. People need to eat, children have to be fed. I'm not a fan of eating junk food on the regular, but sometimes we have to make exceptions. You know what I'm a big fan of when I'm too sick to cook? Food to-go. Delivery. Takeout.
Utilize your resources when it comes to food. If you are too sick the leave the house, it's crockpot to the rescue. Throw in some meat with a few seasonings, and call it a day. The crockpot has saved my life on more than a few occasions. And if it doesn't taste ideal, Sriracha fixes everything, right?!
3. Be easy on yourself.
Being sick and taking care of kiddos is a tall order by itself. So don't kick yourself if Sesame Street has to babysit for a while today. And don't worry if you have to let things around the house slide for a second. The laundry can wait. The sweeping can wait.
But you need to feel better, and that can't wait. So rest your body and rest your mind when it comes to the household worries. Unless you are married to a saint, these chores will be there when you're over your sickness.
Promise!
4. Send out an SOS.
Don't be too prideful to ask for help. If you are hugging the toilet or aching with a fever, send out an SOS to your nearest backup. I, like many of you, don't have the benefit of calling my mom to come over when things get tough.
But I have a husband, friends, neighbors, and babysitters who can help me out if I can't function as a mom. If things get tough, don't be the hero- call for help!
5. Online shopping.
When naptime rolls around and you have a moment to yourself, rest. And then naturally you will open up your computer and head to Zulily. Everybody does that, right?!
Online shopping is terrible for the bank account but so so good for the soul. If I had hours to myself and copious amounts of money, I would be the the busiest UPS stop on the block. I have the luxury of neither, but I still sneak in some time to relax and browse toddler floral jumpers.
I feel better just thinking about it.
6. Have a good cry.
I know it seems pointless to cry over the helpless feeling of being sick as a mama, but it's beneficial. At least it is for me.
One of the hardest things about feeling yucky is the inconvenience. If you're anything like me, I turn into a grizzly bear when I suspect I'm sick because I'm frustrated with the circumstances. The dread, the aggravation, and the pressure to feel better can sometimes feel heavy. After all, no one has time to feel like crap.
So sometimes when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I take a shower and let the tears roll. And to be honest, l usually feel better after a little cry sesh. There is something liberating about releasing all the pinned up aggravation that ensues throughout a difficult week. And even though crying won't clear a stuffy nose, it might clear your mind.
BONUS: Let's never fail to remember that moms are allowed to take care of themselves too- you and I are no exception. The week will get better, and we sick mommas will too.