Hey there, Mom! We’re in the thick of it right now, aren’t we? It’s March, but cold and flu season is still in full swing.
It feels never-ending with wiping snotty noses, hearing those late-night chest coughs, and cleaning the occasional projectile vomit. While I understand we all experience these sick seasons, it’d be great if it didn’t last from October to April!
I could bestow some already-known wisdom to you about how to be sure to wash your hands, teach your kids to cover their mouth, or list some homeopathic remedies, but… let’s face it. No matter what you do, there is a 99% chance your kid will still manage to sneeze into your eyeball.
While we can’t escape the germs, here are a few things that are helpful for me to keep in mind.
READ: Kid-Friendly Events in March | South Central PA
Stock your pantry and freezer with ready-made meals.
I try to make sure we always have an arsenal of soups, extra peanut butter, a surplus of saltines, and other comfort foods to make our recoup a little bit easier. Some of our easy go-to meals on sick days are waffle iron-grilled cheese sandwiches, breakfast for dinner, and Pillsbury crescent pizza pockets.
Get outside!
I understand this isn’t always possible, especially if it’s the stomach bug and you need to be inside in case disaster strikes. However, if you’re able to, getting some fresh air can clear heads and make the sick days not seem so long and miserable. We are fortunate enough to live in a big development in which we can safely take walks. Taking a short drive to a park with a nice walking trail, taking the family dog for a walk, or even doing a neighborhood/yard scavenger hunt can put the whole family in a better headspace. I don’t know about you, but even when my kids aren’t sick, getting outside as much as possible just makes everyone happier.
Remember to take care of you.
I was talking with some mom friends recently, and a common sore spot came up among us. Why is it that the mom always gets sick when the kids bring something home, but the dad (or partner) never does?! I’d kill to have my husband’s immunity, but maybe that’s just because I’m the receiver of more of the sloppy wet kisses and sick snuggles. Regardless, be sure to take care of yourself. Our kids need healthy, mentally-well moms to continue to care for them. Take the day off. Schedule a doctor’s appointment. Tell your husband or partner that you need an hour to yourself… whatever it is that you need to recover or just recharge.
This is certainly a tough time of year, and I’m right there with you. May we battle the sniffles and coughs to enjoy the glorious (relatively) germ-free summer that lies in waiting.
How do you navigate cold and flu season?
