What do you do on days when you're sick / not coping?
Just that really. I'm sick. Think I had 2 hours sleep last night. Feel like death and my Mummy powers are MIA. Already had a meltdown (I cried) at DD this morning after she asked me the same question 12 times. Don't know how I'm going to get through the day.
How do you keep the kids happy and yourself sane on days when you've got almost nothing to give?
Is there anyone you can call to come over babe? I've relied on my uncle to care for Bailey (he'd never looked after him solo before) when I was sick a few months back. He did far better with him that I expected. If there is no one..... set up camp with the kids in the lounge room, get the kids DVDs out, and try to relax on the couch as much as possible.
You're DD is pretty cluey, let her know you are sick and she needs to help and be the Mummy today, she can help you, she will probably enjoy it
For me i put a big mattress in the lounge, grab some comfy pillows & blankets and let the kids watching DVD's on rotation - i nap on the lounge while they bounce around and act like nutters.
I basically only get up to get them food or go pee.
I very rarely do it though, i normally struggle through the colds & things cos i know DP will get home & wonder why the house is a bomb site and why none of the office work is done
Oh these boys are hard work aren't they - I am also on 2 hours sleep today and has been going on for a couple of weeks (I was going to ask you for your advice!!!)
Anyway my plan for today - Peppa Pig is already on the TV, we have cranial osteopath for both of them which I am hoping might bring some relief on the sleep front I know ears are part of the problem. Apart from that I have lots of cups of tea, and biscuits - often on balcony for fresh air (DD loves ritual of both) and tend to do craft stuff because I enjoy it so it doesn't seem so hard. Also play doctors and the put mummy to bed game - so I get to lie down. DS just gets to roam the floor. I raid the freezer for food and don't give too hoots about the mess - then periodically we put on the Cleaning up song on you tube and DD runs round tidying up!
You should take up balloon twisting, is very therapeutic and I think the challenge is good for the tired brain, plus the balloons entertain the kids for ages. Even just normal balloons seems amazing how much fun they can have.
sometimes using energy to set up play dough or drawing (somethig that cant get too messy) can then give you a break for a little while. blowing bubbles at the kids from the couch. or my fav jump in the bath with both kids and chill for a bit - it can help get them ready for a sleep too.
Anything to get through. If you have someone who can take them out for a walk/play for an hour or so so you can rest do that. If not, DVDs, a bucket of water on the deck with some paintbrushes, cubbies, and I agree a bath is a great one before nap time. Helps them sleep well and relaxing for everyone. I hope you can find a few things to do that will help. Leave ALL housework etc. do an easy lunch of sandwiches and fruit and lie on the couch for the day. xoxox
I schedule quiet activities, like puzzles, books, DVD's etc.... I also try to rest when DD is watching DVD's. I also rely upon family as much as possible, so DH would take over when he gets home from work whilst i have a rest or a quiet bath by myself.
If you have noone that can come over and help you, then give them things you know they love to play with, put the tv on and encourage them to watch as much as they will while you nap on the lounge, feed thm food they won't complain about that's easy to make (my kids had fairy bread for lunch and frozen sausage rolls for dinner when I was sick!). Make the day as easy on yourself as you can, don't worry about the mess and mayhem. It will all still be there tomorrow, when you will hopefully feel better. xx
If you have a dining/kitchen table get them to help you make a cubby with a bed inside and get them to bring their face things in so you can all have a snuggle in there. Good luck
What everyone else has said!
I was in the same boat last week, had a huge headache and nobody to mind the kids. I put on a DVD and got out some playdough and rolling pins/cookie cutters to keep DS happy (he doesn't watch TV for very long). Thankfully it worked and I got to rest for a while. Good luck hun.
Lots of good advice here. Wee always have some cheese and bacon rolls and frozen fingers ready to go in the freezer for emergencies as well, so we can do them quick meals.
Thanks so much all. Great ideas here. DD ended up requesting we go to the local play centre which I was apprehensive about as often she just wants me to climb and play with her (super fun of course, on a day that isn't snot-filled!). I warned her that I was going to need to sit down and rest and she was fine with that... ended up having a really lovely morning. She found a little friend and they entertained eachother for several hours (unheard of for DD, I was so proud!) and I sat with DS and managed to get him to sleep in the ergo and have a coffee. DD was EXHAUSTED and went down for a sleep in an instant... thought it was all panning out beautifully. Unfortunately she woke up coughing 30 mins later (just after I got DS down again) in a FOUL mood. Think she's coming down with what I've got.
DVD on now, and we're just eating soup from the freezer and will likely defrost dinner too. Like the idea of the cubby... anything to lie down for a while!
Thanks again for all the tips. Have a feeling I may be calling on this thread again in the future. Being sick as a SAH parent SUCKS! There is no 'chucking a sickie'!
Oh, and Naomi, I suggested to DD that she be the Mummy for the day. Thought it might appeal to her. She got quite indignant and said "No! I can't be the Mummy, I have to be the big sister!". I said "but who will look after me?". She said "nobody looks after you, you're the Mummy". Out of the mouths of babes eh?!
FWIW, I call my mum, or beg DH to take the day off! If those things don't work, we do whatever DS's favourite activity of the moment is, usually while I'm lying on the floor with a pillow next to him and countdown the minutes until nap time! I also second the comment that it's worth the little bit of extra effort to set up an activity, as it can entertain DS far longer than getting him to 'play on his own'. I have a shoebox full of bits and pieces (bits of fabric, wool, coloured paper, ribbons, stickers, leaves, seeds, lids etc) that I give to DS, then stick a piece of contact on a wall or window (sticky side out) and tell him to go for it. Works a treat, no sticky mess (but lots of little things to pick up later!)! DS also loves play dough. Putting on some music works for a bit too, as does giving him the iPad or putting on his favourite DVD!
If I tell DS I'm not feeling well and need to play lying down, he's usually appropriately concerned and will often lie next to me and stroke or cuddle me!
I .....was admit when im suffering a real bad miragrain i will basicaly do what ever i can to keep them happy so they stay quiet from continus dvds and tv to heat and eat oven food ect. Bad but if im feeling that bad im desperate so as long as ive got there safety covered.....anything goes. And i tend to not care bout mess i clean it when im better
What do you do on days when you're sick / not coping?
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I don't know, but this is me today too.
I also second the comment that it's worth the little bit of extra effort to set up an activity, as it can entertain DS far longer than getting him to 'play on his own'. I have a shoebox full of bits and pieces (bits of fabric, wool, coloured paper, ribbons, stickers, leaves, seeds, lids etc) that I give to DS, then stick a piece of contact on a wall or window (sticky side out) and tell him to go for it. Works a treat, no sticky mess (but lots of little things to pick up later!)! DS also loves play dough. Putting on some music works for a bit too, as does giving him the iPad or putting on his favourite DVD!
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