These little-known shortcuts are your ticket to a restorative day in bedeven if you don’t have a babysitter.
Instead, you probably power through only to wind up worse off.
But as it turns out, the number-one rule when youre sick is simple: Take it easy.
Priscilla Gragg
So, the key to parenting while sick is to let go of your standards and guilt.
We dont think young children understand, but youd be surprised.
Here’s how to survive parenting when you’re sickand get better sooner.
How to accomplish this feat?
Here are some ideas for keeping the kids occupied while you stay horizontal.
Thats what mom Bailey Gaddis, of Ojai, California, did.
Tip
Failed to plan ahead?
Raid your birthday stash to gift yourself a break.
Play low-effort games
Of course, your kids will need more attention eventually.
Think old standbys like playing doctor-patient or hospital.
Shed put a blanket on me, read stories, sing songs, over and over.
Stephanie Tsai, of Los Angeles, coaches her boys, 2 and 5.
They have to keep doing the course until they beat whatever random goal I set, she says.
And YOU get to watch cartoons!
Still, its smart to set limits to keep the kids from going full zombie.
But if they do either, the timer resets.
They always make it, but I inevitably reset at least once.
In the end, they get quality playtime and learn independence, and I get added rest.
Just turn on the TV from the start.
Her kids love the Art for Kids Hub YouTube channel, which coaches them through projects.
I find it more palatable since theyre practicing skills while they watch, she says.
(Then again, this might be a good thing when youre parenting while sick!)
Then stay on course the best you’re able to.
Outsource Creatively
Ask for help.
Whether you need a nap, cant stomach the school pickup line, or need a sports drink.
No favors to call in?
Try bartering your services.
The friend gladly accepted.
and let audiobooks piped through the tablet handle bedtime stories.
Conserve Your Energy
Do less and take shortcuts whenever and wherever you’re able to.
Dress babies insuperabsorbent nighttime diapersduring the day to cut down on wet diaper changes.
(Just slather some zinc oxide cream onto your baby first to protect their skin, suggests Dr. And if the weathers warm, dont bother with clothes at all, suggests Ryan Gregory.
When Im sick, my kids are naked 90% of the time.
The other 10%: all-day pajama party.
If youre in the middle of potty training,tote the potty in, too.
Finally, give stuff uplike bathing your baby, cleaning, and fighting over food.
Theyll get a proper bath eventually.
If they dont brush their teeth one day, theyll be fine.
