I Don’t Want to be Mom Today

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Have you ever woke up so sick that you can’t even fathom having to get out of bed, then you realize that it doesn’t matter because you still have to be mom today!  Being a mom is a job that unfortunately does not come with sick leave.

parenting while sick

So what do you do?  Well, this weekend I had to get creative.  I had a fever, chills, body aches, runny nose and sore throat.  Hello, influenza!  My husband was working 12 hour graveyard shifts all weekend so that meant when he was home during the day he was in bed fast asleep.  With no help in sight, I had to figure out how to get through the day and keep the kids happy and entertained.

Sometimes the best thing to do is let some things slide.  Let go of thinking the laundry and dishes need to be done.  They can wait.  Yes, they will pile up, but they CAN wait!  I let go of the idea that every meal needed to be perfect and healthy.  I made things that were quick for lunch like peanut butter toast and apple slices.  The kids didn’t care!

Here are some ideas of how to keep the kids busy when all you have the energy to do is sit on the couch.  As long as you are there to supervise, the kids will be just fine!

Movie time!  This is my favorite because I know for the next 90 minutes my kids will be entertained and quiet.  Let the kids pick their favorite movie on DVD, Netflix or maybe even pay the $4.99 rental fee from your cable provider so the kids have a new movie to watch.  I let them pick out their favorite snack and gave them a big water bottle to sip on.  Bliss.

Get out the games.  We have a box of board games stashed away.  It’s fun to bring them out and let them make up their own rules for the games.  Tell them there is no wrong way to play and let them get creative.

Make a quick art zone at the kitchen table with lots of markers, crayons and coloring pencils.  Put out kids scissors (if age appropriate), construction paper, white printer paper, stickers and stencils.  Let them use their imagination and have them make something for you or tell them to make something for a friend.  You could also give them a roll of wrapping paper and tell them they can wrap their toys and pretend they are having a birthday party.
Crayons
If you have a big cardboard box, put it somewhere that the kids can play in it or better yet, decorate it!  My kids love coloring pictures all over the box.

Bath time!  My kids can keep themselves entertained in the bath for a good 45 minutes.  They are ages 3 and 5 so as long as I am nearby, I can let them play while I sit down and relax.  I have a stash of bath items that they only get to use once in awhile such as color tabs that change the color of the water, bath tub paint and bath crayons.  This would be a perfect time to get these things out to keep them entertained just a little longer.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  I was so thankful that my husband stepped in and did the dishes each day I was sick.  It was a huge help!

Next time you’re feeling under the weather and not sure how to keep the kids happy while you try to feel better, try some of these things out and see how it goes!

((Hugs))

Kari

 

 

 

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