Being a parent is hard enough when you are healthy. When parents are down and out with an illness, it’s nearly impossible. Forget good parenting, you are just trying to survive.
I remember the good old days prior to kids, when I was sick and could just lay in bed all day. A lot of gatorade and constant around the clock sleep would help me heal in no time. Unfortunately once I became a parent that luxury went away.
I’ve had covid for a couple days now and my day-to-day life hasn’t changed. I still get up and get the kids ready for school, handle my daily chores and work, pick the boys up, figure out dinner and get them to baseball on time.
There is no time for me. No time for rest. No time for healing. But that is life as a mom. My kids come first. Always. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In case you are in the same boat, here are a couple tips that have helped me not completely break down while sick.
1. Hydrate like it’s your job.
Even when I’m still up and about doing all the things, I make sure to keep my water bottle filled to the brim. Chugging water and gatorade like I’m the one playing baseball instead of my kids, has definitely helped improve my health.
2. Force yourself to eat.
I know it’s hard when nothing looks appealing and you can’t taste it anyways, but having some real food in your system will get you better quicker.
3. Sit as much as you can.
It’s amazing how much you can get done while in a chair. Giving my body just a little bit of extra time resting helped conserve my energy for those moments when I really needed it.
4. Lean on OTC meds.
I’ve been taking sudafed to help my head feel less congested, and ibuprofen to help with the body aches. These have been taken as consistently as possible so I can do my best to go about my day.
5. Prioritize sleep.
I know it’s hard to get enough considering you are doing all the things, but you need to try. As soon as you can, get to bed. No watching that tv show or reading that book for a little “you time”. Getting as much sleep as possible will help you fight that illness faster.
6. Be kind to yourself.
Yes, you will be a little more on edge. You may even yell at your kids more than normal, or forget things you normally wouldn’t. And you definitely won’t be winning any parent of the year awards. Give yourself a break. The key is to get through this however you can and then be better once you are better.
This too shall pass. Remember that when you are down and out. You’ve got this, mama. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Every day will get easier. You might not get any thanks for all you do, but I see you, and I think you are amazing!
*Disclaimer: please consult your doctor for medical advice. This is just one mama sharing some tips of what worked for her.
