Recently I had a non-swine like flu. It felled me with a single mighty and powerful punch. There were fevers, chills, aches and pains. I was totally out of commission. Generally when I opt to acquire some kind of horrible virus, I tend to try to let it attack when my partner is as right as rain so he can take over. Sadly, on this occassion, my husband got bitten by the bug at the same exact time. And he got it worse. The one person who wasn’t affected by this almighty affliction? Our action packed three-year-old girl. My husband and I were met with a very real dilemma…how to functionally parent while being totally sick. Here are five tips to survive those sick days.
Just Say Yes to Drugs
Indulge in one of the many over-the-counter medicines available like Motrin, Theraflu, Alka Seltzer Cold Plus, Nyquil, Vicks Vapor Rub or maybe a little bit of all of them. Although some of the active ingredients may make you feel fuzzy in the noggin, it’s better than curling up in the corner and hoping for a quick and painless death.
Meet Your New Mommy – Her Name is Television
Whether you are pro, anti or undecided on kids watching TV, the boob tube can be an indispensible tool to wean your child from your hip to a more manageable hypnotic state. Yes, extended periods of screen time are far from recommended but when you simply can’t function in your child’s playland, TV will the void that is your temporary absence.
Time to Call in That Favor
If your regular alternative caregivers aren’t available, it’s time to get creative. If your child is in school or goes to some kind of day care facility, see if you can do a baby/kid swap with a fellow trusted parent…that is if your child isn’t a carrier ready to spread your sickly germs to all. Then at a later date, when are back to your old self, you can watch their little one.
Mary Poppins to the Rescue
It may seem a little indulgent, especially if you don’t regularly enlist the help of nannies, but across the country there are many choices for last minute childcare services. If you’re not comfortable with leaving your child with a stranger, you can just stay sequestered in bed and listen to the giggles and guffaws of your offspring nearby.
When You Can’t Beat ‘Em Join Them
Illness is far from fun, but you can attempt to make the whole ordeal a game. If your child has a doctor’s kit, this is perfect time for you to play patient and have your child check your ailments. Give your kid paper, pens and crayons and ask them to make you a ‘Get Well Soon’ card. Let them help you make chicken soup. Ask them to tell you a story for a change. And last but not least take a nap together.
Do you have any tips on how to survive parenting while sick?
