Friday Five: Sick Days

The one where mom is in survival mode

This Friday Five is going to look a little different… because your girl has had a sick toddler at home for three days and it’s got me to thinking: I’m out of my Mom Flow! Nothing shakes you out of The Mom Flow like having sick kiddos at home. It’s SO rough for so many reasons and I straight up feel like a hot mess. Survival mode is in full swing around here and I’m writing this to you in a dark bedroom at 4:44pm on a Thursday evening while my in-laws take over on Lola watch for three hours.

Loooook, we are obviously so sad to see our littles sick. You want to do whatever it takes to get them better! But goodness, it’s hard on mama in all ways. Because my job is more flexible, I’m the one who stays home with Lola when she is sick. That can feel frustrating but I do have a “take one for the team” mentality and get to juggling. It really helps that my husband never takes it for granted and, well, I get into it below, so keep reading.

Here are five things/tips to making sick days more manageable for mom and while these may not all apply to you, they are just what helps me get through it. I hope they inspire you just even a little bit! If you need to hear it, listen up: YOU ARE AMAZING, MOM!

🫡 Ask for help

I do NOT like asking for help. I think lots of us feel like we should be able to do it all. I beat myself up if I can’t do it all! But sometimes, we need our village in what ever shape or form that is for you. I asked a neighbour to run out to grab some juice and freezies for me bc there was no way I could take Lola out of the house. I asked my in-laws to come for half the day just so I could have a break and get my work done. Whatever this looks like for you… you aren’t less of a mom if you need help. It’s been so normalized that moms should be martyrs (pushing back on this harrrd). Saying you need help really only makes us so much stronger and have more ability to give our kiddos what they need. I also reach out to friends to vent about my feelings. Like a little mini-therapy sesh, commiserating with a mom who knows what it feels like just hits.

💪🏽Do something for yourself

Your girl needs her me time. Call it selfish but I call it essential. I find micro moments during sick days to do something that makes me happy… this time it was a bougie burrata and prosciutto toast drizzled with honey while she caught up on Spidey cartoons and when I tell you that gave me my own superpowers for the day, believe it. If this means sliding down the hall closet clutching a glass of wine or sneaking in a show on your iPad… I’m here for it. Whatever it takes to get the job done AMIRIGHT.

🤔 Put things in perspective

When Lola gets sick and work is intense and I have a to-do list from hell, I don’t feel strong enough to do it all. Something HAS to give and if I take a moment to remember that I can only be where I am, work is not an emergency, keeping her healthy and safe is my main priority… it doesn’t fix that feeling but takes the edge off a little. I always remind myself that it could be so much worse, she will be back to herself soon, and this too shall pass.

🗡️ Go on the defence

When they get sick, chances are, you’re next. These little creatures are literally coughing in your face and obsessed with crawling all over you when they’re sick. Those germs are gonna take you down, so I always amp up my defences like vitamins (vit D, C and my AG1 Green drink!), I get more sleep (however possible, bc you know you’re up with the kiddo all night long) and maybe even throw in a hot Epsom salt bath. If mama is sick, we alllll suffer.

🤎Accept gratitude

Being the parent home with your sicky feels lonely and honestly, resentment can build. I know I’ve felt it before! Hubs came home on a sick day this week with flowers and such kind words about the sacrifices I make as a mom and it was just what I needed to show the eff up for the next two sick days I didn’t know were to follow. I’m a needy b who needs words of affirmation to carry me - him saying I SEE YOU and I APPRECIATE YOU was everything to me. Mom’s efforts can often go unnoticed… so I accept the gratitude and let it carry me forward.

This is my last post for 2023. I’ve loved sharing mom flow life with you and I hope we can keep it up in 2024. Happy Holidays… don’t forget to get in the pics with your fam!!!

xx, Erin