Tips to Survive the Flu While You’re Caring for Kids

There’s a pile of Kleenex and a bunch of empty lozenge wrappers on my nightstand. I have this year’s cold/flu virus and I’m not happy about it.

It’s been years since I’ve been this sick. As I get older, the flu isn’t as simple as it once was. It feels like every cell in my body has been invaded. Even my fingers hurt!

It’s common knowledge that moms don’t get to be sick. My daughter is sick too and when I told her to lounge in bed and drink tea, her response was, “Yeah, right.” She has two toddlers to care for, but she also has a wonderful husband. I tell you this, little mommy: while you have the flu, don’t try to be a hero! All moms should have that embroidered on a pillow.

Here’s what I learned this week:

Stay Home. Here’s the thing about this flu: it hits suddenly. One minute you’re fine and the next you’re sick. You can’t keep from spreading germs during the incubation period, but you can after it hits. No one is impressed with how much you’ve accomplished while being sick if it means you’ve exposed them to the flu. We’d much rather you babied yourself and stayed home.
Have it Delivered. This goes along with the above. Make use of deliveries or curb-side pickup. This is not the time to worry about the fact that you’ve fed your kids pizza for two nights in a row.
Help. When friends ask if there’s anything they can do, say yes. Even simple things help so much. If your friends or neighbors ask if they can make a meal or pick up your child from school, say YES! Then, use that time to rest.
Don’t Compare. Ignore the house, recycle dirty clothes, do whatever you can to save energy. Stephanie and I had a good laugh when she sent a picture of her beautiful Christmas tree already set up. My Halloween decorations are still up! You can’t care about that stuff when it hurts even to breathe.
Bedtime. Go to bed when the kids do. You need the extra rest.
Entertainment. Being sick is the perfect time to watch sappy movies or old classics. Find one your kids would enjoy too and have a movie marathon. It will keep them entertained while you lay on the couch.
Bathrobes. I was one of those people who thought robes were a waste of money, but then my son-in-law gave me a fuzzy pink one and I could see what the fuss was all about. There’s just something about wearing a snuggly piece of clothing that feels healing.
Teas. My son keeps me stocked in teas, the weirder the better. Every time he visits, he brings a new variety. When I’m sick I appreciate having multiple kinds like chamomile or spearmint to soothe my symptoms.
Soup. I was so blessed that I happened to make a pot of soup the day before I got sick, but canned soup is fine in a pinch. They’ve done studies that chicken soup really does heal colds faster (probably the garlic!).
Spoil Yourself. I usually only drink sodas on rare occasions. In the last week, I have emptied 2 liter bottles and multiple cans. When you feel like your face is exploding, there’s nothing like a cool drink to calm yourself down.
Apologize. This one is from my daughter. Apologize to your kids for being crabby. Explain that mommy doesn’t feel well. This will teach them empathy and, if they get sick, they’ll understand the whole feeling crabby thing!
Repair. This flu is no joke. Rest and take whatever supplements you believe in. It might not feel like it in the midst of things, but you really will feel better someday and it will be much sooner if you take care of yourself.