Today, we embark on a journey that no parent ever wishes for, but unfortunately will eventually have to face – sick week. After coming out of what felt like an 8-day-coma, I’m here to share my tips and tricks with you. Things I really wish I had thought of before we got the positive flu test. Together, we’ll navigate the turbulent waters of family sickness with humor, resilience, and a touch of caffeine!
Picture this: Your once energetic household has transformed into a symphony of sneezes, coughs, sticky Motrin syringes, and tissues.. SO MANY TISSUES! As the family’s health takes a nosedive, it’s time to whip out your trusty superhero cape (or, let’s be real, your favorite pajamas that might have a hole in them) and face the challenges that lie ahead.
Here are 7 tips I have for surviving this family plague.
Tip #1: Stock Up on Supplies
Here’s where I went wrong. I don’t know what it is about us humans thinking we’re somehow invincible to germs until they finally strike us! Having a survival kit locked away for these illnesses is a new normal for our family. I’m talking, paper plates, recyclable utensils, EXTRA thermometers (those things break way too easily, thanks science!), and a Costco size pack of tissues. Those are just some of the necessities. Here’s a quick checklist I’ve put together, with some of my personal favorites sprinkled in:
Over-the-Counter Medications: always consult a doctor first!
Pain relievers AND fever reducers. If you have littles, have some extra syringes available in case you need to die on the couch before washing your only one.
Decongestants
Cough medicine
Sore throat lozenges or sprays
Antihistamines for allergies
Tissues and Disposable Wipes:
Soft tissues for sneezing and runny noses. My husband has major allergies. We’ve found these to be the softest tissues that don’t send him into a crazy allergy sneeze attack.
Disposable wipes for quick clean-ups. We don’t have time to be washing snot rags with a fever of 103 honey!
Hydration Supplies:
Electrolyte drinks or rehydration solutions. I will ALWAYS say yes to a Liquid IV drink. Sick or not!
Clear broth or soup
Herbal teas and honey. Our family doctor told us honey with a squeeze of lemon juice is proven to be more helpful than a spoonful of cough medicine. Food for thought I guess.
Thermometer:
Digital thermometer for monitoring body temperature. Always go with the ear option!
Comfort Foods:
Easily digestible foods like crackers, rice, bananas, and plain toast
Clear broth or chicken soup
Disposable Cups, Plates, and Utensils
Facemasks: Break out those trusty ear wreckers from 2020. If you have to run to the store or the doctor, it’s best practice to wear one until your fever has been gone for 48 hours.
Facemasks: Break out those trusty ear wreckers from 2020. If you have to run to the store or the doctor, it’s best practice to wear one until your fever has been gone for 48 hours.
Extra Hand Sanitizer: Do your kids hate using it? Try a scented one that makes your hands smell like ice cream!
Humidifiers: in each room if you can, and don’t forget the cleaning balls! Not only are these fun for kids, they keep your humidifier from getting that nasty pink sludge on them when you’re using it a whole bunch. Definitely worth it.
Extra Bedding and Blankets: This is a non-negotiable item. The amount of boogers getting on everyone’s bedding is downright disgusting, and you can’t stand up long enough to move the laundry from the washer to the dryer. Have at least two extra sheets ready for each bed.
Entertainment: Books, movies, or games to keep the sick person entertained during recovery. Or, just play Ms. Rachel for 5 days straight.
Trash Bags: Time to break out the Target bags you’ve been saving for ….. who knows what! Don’t waste your time with trash cans this week. The kids won’t use them anyway. Save yourself one more thing to sanitize and just stuff those tissues in a Target bag every couple hours.
Whew, seems like a lot right? Most of it you probably already have around the house. I suggest dedicating a closet or a locked cabinet for these times. When everything is in one dedicated location your partner has no reason to ask, “Honey, where did you say it was?” 14 times a day.
Tip #2: Embrace the Sick Family Chaos
For those with kids as theatrically inclined as mine, buckle up for some award-winning performances of “Mama, I Don’t Feel Good.” Get ready for the heart-wrenching snuggles, the soul-stirring pleas, and the utterly convincing portrayal of a child in the clutches of the common cold. It’s a gripping drama, and you’re both the director and the audience – nice! It won’t last forever, try to make the most of it.
Tip #3: The Art of Quarantine
Create designated quarantine zones for the afflicted members of the household. This not only helps contain the germs but also adds a dramatic flair to your family saga. Designate each room with a creative name – “The Sniffle Suite,” “Cough Corner,” or “Fever Fortress.” Remember, a bit of humor can go a long way in lifting young spirits, and will save you a ton of cleaning when those sniffles dry up.
Tip #4: Delegate Duties
Even in the throes and woes of the dreaded family bug, remember: teamwork makes the dream work. Give your mini-mess-makers tasks to complete, even if their laundry-folding skills look more like modern art than domestic wizardry. It’s not just a distraction from the sniffles; it’s a quick crash course in responsibility. Who knew that battling a virus could double as a life lesson in household chores? It’s like killing two birds with one tissue – efficient and only slightly absurd.
Tip #5: Movie Marathons and Bedtime Stories
When the going gets really tough, and your house resembles a battlefield of tissues and runny noses, it’s time to call in the reinforcements. Screen time becomes the saving grace, the ally you always kind of knew you needed. So, throw open the gates to the magic kingdom of Disney movie marathons and bedtime stories.
This is your golden opportunity to school your little ones in the art of cinematic and literary brilliance. Sure, they may insist on the never-ending allure of Blippi, but just sneak in a mere 10 minutes of Air Bud, and watch the magic unfold. I promise you, they’ll be hooked faster than you can say, “Pass the tissues, please.” Because in our house, even the most resistant Blippi enthusiasts can’t resist the charm of a fluffy golden retriever shooting hoops.
Tip #6: The Healing Power of Humor
I firmly believe that laughter is the best medicine. Dive into the chuckle chaos by cracking a joke, engaging in some light-hearted banter, or playing a game that’s more giggle-inducing than strategic. Bonus points if your family has a stomach bug, this game is great!
And when the laughter prescription needs a power boost, transform your living room into a makeshift comedy club. Grab the mic, turn on the karaoke machine, and launch into a stand-up routine where the word “banana” has the power to send the entire family into fits of laughter.
Tip #7: Caffeine & Cry Session, Anyone?
In the caffeine-fueled circus of family sicknesses, don’t forget to savor a cup of liquid sanity. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, revel in the delightful giggles of your tiny roommates, and pat yourself on the back for surviving the epic tale of familial ailments. Because, as you sip your peace-in-a-cup, remember – this too shall pass, leaving you with battle scars and a newfound appreciation for the serenity that comes with a well-brewed moment of me-time.
Conclusion:
Parenting is a rollercoaster ride with more loop-de-loops than you thought you signed up for. Facing a weeklong family illness is just another plot twist in the grand saga of parenthood. So, toss on your most heroic pair of sweatpants, load up on supplies like you’re gearing up for a zombie apocalypse, and let the family plague be the exhausting chapter you never knew you could kind of enjoy. And if all else fails, screw this blog, it’s time for Doordash!
