This blog post is the most timely post I have EVER written. I'm currently knee deep in a pile of Kleenex with a tea in hand. My chapped nose is a stark reminder that less than 2 days ago I was perfectly healthy..... surprise! A wonderful cold virus greeted me over the weekend, much to my dismay, and has left me feeling utterly defeated. You know who notices I'm feeling unwell but wants to play every two seconds? My toddler. Yes, that little blonde-haired ray of sunshine just wants all the mommy time, and I'm trying, like realllllly trying to be present, even though my eyelids feel like cement and my body is screaming at me to go back to bed. You know all those experts and health professionals who tell you to rest when you're sick? Do they have children? Toddlers specifically? Because my sweet little angel doesn't know the word SLOW down or REST- in fact most days it's full throttle and in his own words, "let's saddle up!". So for all you parents battling through cold and flu season, have no fear, I'm here to let you know you aren't alone and provide you with some helpful tips to help cope!
[Disclaimer: I am fully aware that there are individuals out in the world living with worse health issues than a cold while being pregnant and trying to parent day in and day out. I fully acknowledge how hard it is raising a child when you have terminal illnesses, disabilities, or any other health issues that limit your role or hinder it in your parenting journey. I am simply writing this for those of you who have that are battling cold and flu season, and you just need a little humor (and coping strategies) in your present moment.]
We all know that no one plans on becoming sick or wants to fall ill, but sometimes even the best laid routines of hand-washing, keeping a clean home, and taking your vitamins or greens just doesn't equal avoiding illness. So if you're currently "leveling up" your immune system (as annoying as it is) or you want to be prepared for the next illness that strikes your household, here are some of the best coping tools and tips I can give you.
Call your village If you have a village of family and friends that are nearby and can come watch your children or shuttle them to and from activities so you can get some rest- CALL THEM. Don't feel guilty to ask for help when you feel under the weather. If you aren't currently sick, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case you do fall ill. Who could help you out? Who could grab you some supplies if needed? Who could watch your children for a bit? If you don't have a village, my best advice if you live in a city is to utilize things like Instacart or delivery services that can bring you groceries or supplies needed (all the Kleenex, nasal sprays, and cough lozenges). Order an odd meal in and save yourself the cooking and clean-up and have it delivered. Utilize what you can or who is willing to help.
Be Prepared & Plan Ahead I know it's not always foreseeable when you'll fall ill, but having a plan and being prepared ahead of time so that when illness does catch you will be your best strategy. I'm not just talking cough syrup, Kleenex, chest rubs, essential oils, etc.. While it is important to have all the things you usually use when ill remedy wise, I am also referring to activities ready to go to keep the sprouts occupied. Age-appropriate sensory bins, art supplies, toys, games, books, etc., that only come out when you're ill (so the novelty doesn't wear off), will be you're best friend in entertaining the kids so you can lie in a puddle on the couch. Another important tip that falls under this category is having some freezer meals stored and awaiting their time to shine. Spend a Sunday one weekend meal prepping a few meals in the even that should you fall ill, you won't have to spend time and energy making food. Also remember to keep some snacks on hand for your sprouts that are easy, healthy, and quick to grab.
Bend the rules (a little) No I don't mean let all hell break loose. I mean it's okay if for a day or two your children have a little extra screen time. Sometimes being able to put on a movie or a show and lie beside them can be just what your body needs. You can still keep it interactive by asking them questions (if you have the energy) or picking educational shows. My favourite types of shows are less contrasty in color, slower paced, teach lessons, or are truly educational if I'm going to allow more screen time than normal. I promise when you're feeling better, you can drop the screens and go back to regular programming.
Ditch the idea that you have to do it all I mean this wholeheartedly- YOU DO NOT NEED TO PLACE EXTRA EXPECTATIONS ON YOURSELF AS A PARENT WHEN YOU'RE SICK. If you need to read that again, please do so. You don't need to be a perfect parent. Adjust your expectations that bedtimes may run later or slower, the kids might not get a bath every night, and you might not have the patience of a saint. Give yourself and your kids some grace, and know that as long as they're fed and loved at the end of the day, you've succeeded.
Discuss how being sick affects everyone differently I know, I know, this sounds silly but this is a perfect opportunity to take a moment and teach kids about illness and how it affects the body and every person a little differently. Be honest with your kids that you're feeling not your best, and that you're likely going to need everyone to help out a little extra around the house. Age-appropriate task delegation is fine. In fact this is a perfect opportunity to foster kindness and compassion in your children. You'd be surprised what can come from these types of chats even from kids as young as 2!
My top tips for battling the dreaded cold and flu season are as follows [Please note this is not medical advice, simply sharing what works in our household. Please consult your child's or your healthcare provider for medical advice]:
Remember how chapped your nose gets from the constant wiping? Lanolin nipple cream is going to be your best friend. I'm not kidding. Spread it around your chapped nose and voila- it works like a charm!
Bee Propolis throat spray is a natural, toxic free remedy that helps with sore throats! You can find it at your local health food store or on Amazon. My favourite brand for our household is Beekeeper's! They make an adult version and a kid version.
Xclear nasal spray is your best friend. They make an adult and kid version. The kid version is even safe for infants they state. It works a million times better than saline alone, and is a great option for stuffy noses! We order it off Amazon.
Bone Broth for sipping on is a life saver! Not only is it nutritious, you can easily make your own at home and freeze it for when you fall ill, or you can now find it in most stores! It's a great option for kids and adults for protein, vitamins, and minerals that won't upset the stomach and offers a variety of benefits (sick or not sick). This is a staple in our house. Google can provide some wonderful recipes to make your own, which is generally more cost effective and yields much more than store bought.
Distilled water and a humidifier are also your best friend! Keep the air most, especially at night while you're sleeping and for children. That added moisture is so great for helping with reducing dry coughs and mucous build up.
Epsom salt baths. Relax for a nice hot/warm bath and add 2 cups Epsom salts to your tub. When you're sick, you're body burns through extra magnesium (as is true in all forms of extra stress on the body), so a nice warm soak will help restore some of the lost magnesium as well as be relaxing for your body.
While none of these things are going to be your savior, hopefully they'll help ease the frustration of being ill in the first place. Here's to keeping my fingers crossed that this is the last illness for awhile in our house, and also that you avoid the final few cold viruses circulating this time of year.
Until next time,
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