When you’re sick, the last thing you want to do is take care of a screaming baby or toddler. But parenting while sick is inevitable and, frankly, it really isn’t that bad. Here are some tips on how to do it without losing your mind.
First of all, don’t try to be a superhero. It’s okay to ask for help, whether that’s from your partner, a family member, or a friend. Let people know that you’re not feeling well and could use some assistance. Don’t try to accomplish too much while you’re sick. Cut back on your commitments and focus on taking care of yourself and your family.
Secondly, take care of yourself. This may seem like common sense, but it’s important to remember when you’re feeling crummy. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and eat healthy foods. The better you feel, the better you’ll be able to take care of your little one.
Third, be patient. Parenting is hard enough when you’re healthy, so cut yourself some slack when you’re not. Things may not go as smoothly as usual, but that’s okay. Just do the best you can and know that this too shall pass. Finally, have a sense of humor. At the end of the day, you’re going to look back on this and laugh. So why not laugh now? Find the humor in the situation and roll with it.
Parenting while sick may not be ideal, but it’s definitely doable. Just take it one step at a time and remember to take care of yourself. Before you know it, you’ll be back to feeling 100%.
