4 lessons that moms can learn from the "Man Cold"

Remember the "Man Cold" scene from the BBC3's "Man Stroke Woman"? Take a look.


I believe that the Man Cold scene from "Man Stroke Woman" is spot on. In fact, I've witnessed it, save for the ambulance driver showing up and giving him a little bell to ring for help (although if that were possible, I know a guy--or ten--who would totally call one in).

Healthy Living editor, Jessica Ashley, once wrote about how we moms should take better care of ourselves when we're sick. But we usually don't focus on ourselves, causing our health woes to drag on, because we're too busy taking care of our families, our pets, our jobs, and basically everything else in our lives. I wholeheartedly agree. Do you?

Moms, I think there are some lessons we can learn from the Man Cold. When we're sick, we should:

  • Throw in the towel. I'm making a generalization here based on the men I know, but when they get sick, they fully throw in the towel, crawl in bed (or on the couch), curl up with a blankie and just give in to sickness. Do the men in your life do this? Guess what? They always get better...and in record speed. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time throwing in the towel because there's always too much to do. But this idea of giving in when I'm sick...it really does work. Grab your NyQuil, your favorite blanket and take comfort in your bed. And let someone else take care of you.

  • Start saying no...or delegate. Most moms tend to go about their daily business when they are sick, allowing their kids to have friends over and taking their kids to playdates, etc. Mama, you need to stop. If your head is feeling fuzzy and you've got a fever, you need to cancel those playdates at your house (see "have a back-up plan"). Are you signed up to bring snacks to soccer practice? Find a replacement (or get your spouse/partner to do it). If you're a working mama, reschedule meetings for a later date or see if you can do it over the phone. Trust me, no one wants your stinky germs. .

  • Have a back-up plan. If you are sick and your husband can't stay home to watch the kids for you, always, always have a back up plan....like a babysitter, friend or family member you can call in times of crisis. This is the time to call in favors. Need to make dinner? Order take out. Groceries? Buy them online and have them delivered.

  • Let it go. A few months ago I wrote about ways we can be better parents. One of those tips was to "let it go." The housekeeping, office work and keeping up with your daily routine. Mama, when you're sick, you really do need to let it go. Trust me, I know it's no fun seeing your home get a little messy. But you're not going to get better if you don't slow down. Take advantage of your kids being at school and rest up.

Bottom line: When we are sick, think like a Man Cold.

Anything else you'd add?