How to Best Cope When Your Child has a Cold
We are going on a week and half of sickness in my household. I swear my kids give each other colds back and forth. Truthfully, I am not the best at managing sick children–I grew up in a house where you had to stay in bed all day if you were sick (there was no lounging and watching TV). We rarely got sick because there was nothing worse than being trapped in a room with no entertainment all day…but now I have a dread associated with sick days.
I am sharing what works for me to keep my sanity and health while playing nurse to my children. I realize that being the most positive, patient and encouraging version of myself helps my children feel better so I do all I can to bring that version of myself out.
Tips When Your Kids are Sick:
- Get your mind right: Things are not going to go as planned when you have sick children. They just aren’t. Realizing that your routine, schedule and to do lists are going to get skewed is the top mindset priority. Without this shift, you will be left frustrated and annoyed. Your children will sense this and it makes sick days even worse.
- Journal, Pray or Mediate: I know this can sound woo woo…but trust me, a little bit of intentional breath work or journaling can really help you get out your frustration on paper and ease your mind. Also, the few moments to yourself to concentrate on yourself is much needed when you are helping others nonstop. (Bonus: take time to shower, dress and either do hair or makeup after a few days of dealing with sickness–it helps you feel more in control and overall better!)
- Workout: This sounds crazy and like how do you have time to workout…but trust me, when your kids are watching TV or napping off their fevers, get a quick workout in (if you don’t have workout equipment, do a YouTube video). I have only managed to squeeze in 20 minutes, but that 20 minutes helps my body stay healthy and gives me a boost of energy. Or if your kids are feeling up for it, take them on a stroller walk. Fresh air works wonders!
- Play board games or craft time: If your kids are old enough and if they are feeling up to it, doing a little activity that doesn’t take much energy will brighten up your and their day. We do lots of crafts and board games when my kids are sick.
- Take YOUR vitamins: In between giving the kids all the medicine they need, it is so easy to forget about yourself…but it is also the most important time for YOU to stay healthy. So boost up those vitamins. I take elderberry, emergen-C, zinc and a multivitamin.
- Lysol and essential oils: I don’t know if essential oils work or not, but I do know I want to keep my house as healthy as possible so I will try anything. I put On-Guard in my diffusers and pump it throughout my house when anyone is sick. I also use Lysol on all of our toys and common use places.
- Basket of medicine: This took me 5 years to figure out but is so helpful when you have sick kids. I put all the medicine that my boys need in a basket and then bring it upstairs at night and keep it downstairs during the day, so I know where all the medicine is.
- Melatonin at night: I am not a medical professional, so please check with your Pediatrian before you do this, but recently I have been giving my boys melatonin when they are sick. This has made a huge impact in helping them go to sleep and stay asleep which is key for getting better.
- Shop online and pick up: Thank you Target Drive Up and Kroger Clicklist for feeding my family and keeping us entertained. My kids never need to get out of the car and driving them around to get our orders means more forced rest for them. It also helps me feel productive and I get to get out of the house. Win, win.
- Go to bed when they go to bed: This is my number one piece of advice. Sick days and nights are exhausting for us mamas. Which means prioritizing sleep is SO SO important. I can’t nap during the days, so going to bed at the same time they do is key to keeping my sanity and keeping me healthy!
I hope these tips help you keep your sanity and keep you healthy while caring for your little ones. I am here for you Mama, I hope your little one feels better and please know you are doing the best job you can.
Hang in there, friend đ
