Being a mother is difficult enough on days when you’re hale and hearty. Imagine trying to do it all when you’re ill! Picture this: you’re in bed with the flu, medicated but still feeling like a zombie, and you have to whip up healthy meals, get homework done, and ensure your child makes it to ballet class, all while ensuring they don’t catch your germs!
Sounds impossible? Well, that’s because it is. Nonetheless, by adjusting and adapting, you can still manage to prioritise your own rest as well as the well-being and schedule of your child. Here are some ways.
Use Horizontal Parenting
Now, this is normally a go-to strategy for parents who are too exhausted and low on energy. They decide to engage and entertain their kids in the horizontal position, in other words, lying down. You can play a board game or a card game, read a book, or even simply just chat with one another. This helps you get some much-needed rest, and calm down a child who’s high on energy. Note, this only works if you’re not down with something infectious, like a stomach bug or an allergy. If you’ve got a bad viral fever, steer clear of this hack.
Relax The Rules On Screen Time
Even if you’re a mother who doesn’t approve of screen time, relax the rules with some caveats. You could allow television instead of iPads or smartphones, and put safety filters on the programmes. Educational or age-appropriate content on television can keep them occupied. Ensure that you have a conversation with them on the fact that this is a one-off because of special circumstances and will not be the norm.
Keep Backup Ready For Sick Days
It may sound foreboding, but sometimes planning for the worst can be a boon when the worst does happen. Consider keeping aside a box with new toys, books, crafts and puzzles out of reach of your children. This way, when they do see something new, even something they’ve been craving for (such as a theme-based LEGO), they will be constructively occupied, allowing mothers to rest.
Create A Circle Of Support
The first person who needs to step in unconditionally is your partner and the father of your children. Let’s assume he’s working, or travelling, or also unwell, and cannot take over parenting entirely. In that case, it is advisable to create a network that will support you. This could include grandparents, extended family, neighbours, or close friends. Remember, being part of a network means you will probably do the same for one of their kids. Even if you’re a helicopter mom, don’t be afraid to seek help and let go of control. It’s more important for your child to be looked after, well-fed, hydrated and for you to get some much-needed rest. This may also mean simplifying tasks such as meals at home or seeking help from others to keep nutritious food coming in!
Maintain Hygiene
As much as you think your children need you, they need to be healthy first. Don’t spread your germs within the household if you’re infectious. Stay isolated in a room, and if you must meet people, do it with a mask. Wash your hands regularly and disinfect common surfaces that you may touch. Inform your children to avoid physical contact with you. There will be plenty of time to catch up on hugs and cuddles later. Explain to your child, perhaps over a phone call, on why you need this time off and how it benefits both them and you. Children are more empathetic and resilient than you think they are. In fact, give them little chores to make them feel important, and inculcate values of responsibility.
Prioritise Your Health
Consult a doctor and take medication if required to get well and back on your feet. Conserve energy and get plenty of rest, sleep and nutrition. Don’t try to do too much around the house. Instead, engage in restorative practices such as deep breathing or listening to music. If you’re a working mother, you probably need to get back to work and juggle home responsibilities alongside, so it’s all the more imperative that you get well soon. If you’re a young mother who needs to breastfeed, consult your doctor about what to do, whether it’s safe to pump and feed your baby, or whether to temporarily switch to formula.