Child sick Days
One moment, you’re blissfully sipping your lukewarm coffee while toddler shenanigans unfold in the background, and the next, you’re completely caught off guard with your pants down—literally and figuratively. Yes, folks, daycare was supposed to be the magical portal to adult-like freedom, but instead, it became the breeding ground for germs that would make even a snot goblin blush.
Imagine this: Your adorable little bundle of joy strides into the house, covered in what appears to be holy boogers, eyes sparkling with the excitement of sharing the latest gastrointestinal adventure. Suddenly, I’m thrust into a fluffy blanket fort, arms wide open, ready to embrace cuddle duty while I’m literally aching from the neck down. If only toddler germs had a warning label, right?
We survived her inaugural year of daycare illness roulette—a carnival where every month came with a delightful new virus for the whole family to enjoy. I began to wonder if we were going for a family record in collective ailments. Spoiler alert: we were not winning any medals, folks.
Now, as we dance into year two, her immune system seems tougher than a steel-covered toddler—thank you, silver lining of the dreadful first winter in daycare. We’ve taken our chaotic home remedy experiments and turned them into a science fair project, minus the baking soda volcano (those days will never happen until my child can help with the clean-up). It's all about finding that sweet spot—how to nurse her back to health while also managing my chronic pain that flares like a particularly dramatic soap opera plot twist.
And let me take a moment to paint a vivid picture of the time we lost ten pounds over a weekend, thanks to a nasty GI bug that turned my stomach into a roller coaster of regret. I stumbled into work Monday morning, greeted with gasps from coworkers who could visibly see the physical weight difference. Apparently, parenthood illness does not come with a stylish 10 lb weight loss plan; it's more of a "what-the-heck-happened-to-you" situation. To add to the persistent vomiting and diarrhea over the past 48 hours, my back was screaming like a banshee from the lack of self-care attention to avoid a pain flare. Nothing like dry heaving to aggravate those intercostal muscles and cause insane neck tension!
Through all the chaos this past year, I learned to rally my home troops with medicine, hydrate like I’m a marathon runner, and pocket all the snacks that could double as comfort food or a hidden emergency snack stash. In the end, we’ve come out on the other side—equipped with anti-illness weapons and a solid routine. Because honestly, the only pants I want to be caught in are a cozy pair on the couch, snuggled up, untangled from the web of toddler energy, because "this too shall pass".
Preparing for those inevitable sick days with your little one can feel like gearing up for a battle against a tiny germ army. Here's how to fortify your defenses so you can endure without diving headfirst into a pain-induced spiral:
Stockpile Essentials: Like a squirrel hoarding acorns for winter, gather your essentials—thermometers, tissues, and all those tiny doses of magic (aka medicine) that might just save the day. There’s something soothing about having everything on hand; it’s like having a secret stash of mom superpowers. Not sure what to stockpile on- check here!
Plan Easy Meals: When sick days hit, cooking a gourmet meal isn’t happening. Prepare freezer meals that can be zapped in seconds or have a list of takeout options that make you feel good and don’t require energy beyond a simple phone call. Because let’s be real, nobody wants to cook when you could be cuddling—preferably with hot soup in reach! Here’s my go to list of space saving freezer kept homemade meals!
Utilities at the Ready: Keep your phone charged and preprogrammed with your go-to resources. Whether it’s a video chat with your best friend or grandparents for a sanity check, or a physician/ public health nurse number at your fingertips, being able to reach out can be the lifeline you need.
Create a Cozy Recovery Zone: Set up a sick-day nest where blankets, favorite snuggle toys, and a diverse collection of approved shows are all within arm’s reach. Couch fort time! Trust me; you’ll both appreciate the cozy factor when you settle in for a round of animated distraction.
Accept Help: If someone offers to bring you soup or pick up groceries, be brave and accept it! You’re not just a parent; you’re a parent with a chronic pain superpower. Lean on your support squad—they’ll be happy to help while you focus on healing and surviving.
Mental Preparation: Gear up mentally for the emotional rollercoaster. Kids don’t do well with being sick, and you’ll probably be emotionally navigating a minefield while managing your chronic pain. Find some go-to affirmations or music that lifts your spirits—cue the self-care disco while you hide from the drama. Have a stash of “sick-day toys”, to bring out some new fun if your little one is getting bored easily, distracted, or fussy. Puzzles, books, and stickers are easy wins! Often I will store some extra spoils away that my girl gets from people who adore her throughout the year, and then bring them out when she’s sick. Check out my list of simple pleasures here for some things you can usually snag at the dollar store to have on hand!
The Power of Routine: When it comes to both parenting and personal health, routines can be your shield. Establish a semblance of normalcy so when sickness strikes, you can sneak in manageable self-care routines without feeling like you’re losing your grip on sanity. It helps to be familiar with what your daycare does for activities, like go for a walk in the morning, have a 30 min coloring session, have free play time, or know when to call upon the hypnotist Ms. Rachel for help to settle your little one down. Set your alarm for 30 mins before your little one wakes so that you can have some time to gear up for the day. But do not do the parental bedtime procrastination! When your little one goes to bed for the evening, try to follow shortly after because you’re going to hate yourself the next day if you don’t get adequate rest to deal with another potential sick rollercoaster day.
Remember, these days may feel heavy and sticky, but it’s just another chapter in the quirky saga of parenthood. Equip yourself with plans, laughter, and the defiance that comes with gathering your strength. You've got this!
