So we all know it's the dreaded flu season, right? We also know that if we are staying home with our kids and one of us catches said flu, then the whole fam is going to be sick, right? Yeah, that means you too, mama. Welcome to sick days as a SAHM.
Quite possibly the worst thing about being a mama is when you get sick and your babes still need all of your time and attention. When you're a SAHM and you get sick, you don't get to spend the day in bed with no responsibilities, drink pedialyte, and watch Netflix in between naps. It can seem downright impossible to be a functional human when you have the flu, let alone trying to also take care of your kids at the same time. Don't even get me started on a situation where both you and babe are sick at the same, because that is a time when you need spiritual help, mama. But when you're sick and tired and staying at home with littles, there are a few things you can do to take the edge off the sickness, and still make sure your kids aren't being completely neglected.
There's a Time for Tech
Now this may be up for debate among mamas, but, in this mama's opinion, when you are sick and can hardly be upright for more than a couple of minutes, handing your babe the iPad or your phone while you rest your eyes or just lie down is not going to ruin them in any way. Giving them something that will completely consume their attention (with my son it is definitely the iPad) is one of the best ways to make sure that you get some uninterrupted time to rest. You can also turn on your little one's favorite movie while you lie on the couch, and make sure that all of their
toys/activities are within easy reach (i.e., coloring
books,
puzzles), so that you're not off searching around the house all day to make sure your little one is entertained.
SLEEP
Okay, I know. I can practically hear your eyes rolling. But here's the deal: when you are sick, your body needs sleep. And when you're a SAHM, the only time when you're going to be able to do that is during nap time and when babes are in bed. So do it. Don't worry about cleaning up the house, getting bills taken care of, or folding the laundry. Go. To. Sleep. Take advantage of when your little is out of commission to rest and let your body recharge for the next couple of hours. And when you put your babe to sleep at night, get into bed right away and Go. To. Sleep. Don't spend hours on Instagram or watching cookie-decorating videos, but turn the lights out, turn the phone off, pop a Nyquil, and get some much needed rest, mama!
Phone a Friend
I mean it's a lifeline for a reason, mama, and when you are sick, you should use it! If you have a friend close by, then give them a call and see if they wouldn't mind taking your kids for a couple of hours so you can sleep. If you're lucky enough to have your parents close by, then reach out to them and see if your babes can do a sleepover with Gammy and Granddad. If you're worried about sending your kids to hang out with anyone in case you spread the sickness, you can send a text to your bestie asking if they would pick you up some saltines and some dinner for your little ones so that you don't have to leave the house. Trust me when I say that you will thank yourself by asking for help. Your bod will thank you immensely. I know it can feel like you're never going to be able to do both at the same time, but being a mama and not feeling well is sometimes unavoidable, and you can totally do this. You just need to use your tech wisely and make sure babe is entertained, take advantage of any and all sleep you can get, and reach out to the tribe for a little help for the couple of days when you're off your feet.
Keep chugging those electrolytes, catching those Zs when you can, and I promise you'll be feeling better before you know it, mama! Now, you just need to take care of your littles when they catch it...typical for your mama life, am I right? XO
