My two boys are healthy, happy and `active most months out of the year. However, when winter comes, it's almost inevitable that one or both of my children will become sick. Between the flu and the common cold, our household will go through plenty of tissues, chicken soup and meds during the winter. Dealing with sick kids, especially more than one, can be challenging. Besides dealing with the issues associated with illness, there's the whining and increased need for attention.
Here are five tips I've learned to help deal with sick kids during the winter:
#1 Let them sleep
Do yourself a favor and let them sleep as much as they want. Even though my baby is on a very strict sleep schedule, the schedule goes out the window when he's sick. The last thing a parent needs is a fatigued, sick child running around. Plus, they'll likely feel a little better when they wake. This is definitely a time when you should take advantage of your free time.
#2 Give them your time and attention
If you work out of the home, take a day or two off work if you can. Kids, especially the younger ones, are extra clingy to mom and dad when they're really sick, and they aren't very receptive to babysitters. The first couple of days are the worst, so those are good days to take off. My hubby and I try to take them off together; if that's not possible, we will rotate days so that at least one of us is here through the worst of it.
#3 Don't feel guilty about what doesn't get done
It's OK to slack on household chores when your kids are sick. Don't feel guilty about not doing the laundry or straightening up the living room. I spend that time with my little ones and catering to their needs. Trust me, the chores will be there waiting for you when everyone's feeling better.
#4 Catch up on your movie watching
To keep the kids in bed resting, it's wise to keep them occupied in passive ways. Letting them watch their favorite movies is a great way to do this. My boys enjoy the extra TV time, and my husband and I snuggle up to watch with them.
#5 Take shifts
Take shifts with the other parent in the house or someone else close to the kids so that you're not tending to them around the clock. My husband and I see to the boys equally throughout the day and take four-hour shifts at night. We dig out the old baby monitors so we can hear if they are moving around.
Dealing with sick kids during the winter is tough, but these tips should help. Just remember that sleep and movies are your friend, the dishes can wait, and never be afraid to ask for a little help.
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