What To Do When The Little Ones Are Sick. . .Again

I’ve been to the doctor 4 times in the past 10 days. . . and I may have to go again by weeks end. That’s just the past 10 days. We’ve been countless times since the new year began with diagnoses ranging from ear infections {4 and counting between my two kids}, croup, pink eye, strep throat and your every day, run-of-the-mill virus. You’d think we’re living in filth over here what with all this illness. But the truth is. . .I have two, active little ones and they attend school where no matter how clean they keep it, germs run rampant. I’m told by many moms that they had “a year like this” which leads me to hope this is our year and next year we’ll be iron clad against illness.

I know we’re not the only ones. We’ve all been hit hard with sickness in our homes this year, haven’t we mamas?! I know many of you are tired and worn out from trips to the pediatrician, countless nights holding your sick children and days void of structure and activity due to puny little people who need you all. day. long.

We’re coming to the end of the season friends and so I pray our homes will be well and rid of illness a matter of a few weeks. Whether you have germ-magnet toddlers and preschoolers or you’re dealing with your baby’s first illness {I’m saying a special prayer for those new mamas dealing with that}, you will make it out of this fog. Everyone will be well at some point in the near future. You’ll be frolicking in the spring sunshine in no time. I promise. Until then {and for years to come} I thought I’d share some encouragement that I’ve learned during our season of illness.

What To Do When The Little Ones Are Sick. . .Again

1. Pray – I’m sure you are already doing this but sometimes in the midst of overwhelming sickness, we forget that we have the ability to call on Jesus to heal even the smallest of sniffles. By His stripes we are healed {Isaiah 53:5}. It might just take the righteous anger that comes with constant sickness to claim this promise. Pray for your kiddos but don’t forget to also pray for grace and strength for you, mom {Psalm 46:1}.

2. Breathe – Lock yourself in the bathroom for 3 minutes if you have to but remove yourself from the midst of constant need and retreat to breathe. As you exhale, meditate on all of the cares you can lay down with that breath and as you inhale, remember that he is filling you with a fresh dose of his presence as you return to the battlefield {read: your living room}.

3. Don’t Forget Your Husband – It’s easy to get so focused on the baby or the sick kids and put your husband or your marriage on the back burner. But you both need to work together to get through a tough season of illness. Talk about what you each need to make it through. Divide and conquer as you care for your children. Pray together in agreement for the health and wholeness of your household. If you can, get out together for a short date if there is someone to watch the baby/children. Do NOT neglect each other as a means to meet the needs of your children. It won’t work.

4. Go To War With The Toys – During this season, you may feel like you are running a day care. Likewise, you may need to clean your kids’ toys daily. I wish you could tent and bomb your house for germs much like you can do for bugs. But alas, you cannot. So me and my can of Lysol have become great friends this month. Every. single. night if you have to, clean the toys and the spaces the baby/kids have played in. Consider putting away many of the toys and only allowing your sick child to play with some things for a while. This will keep cleaning simple for you.

5. Take Care of Yourself – Chances are, you are going to get a little of what they have. When I finally came down with it the other night, I wept in discouragement to my husband. I couldn’t handle taking care of them let alone feeling down myself. With the Lord’s encouragement and the help of my amazing husband {who let me sleep in two days in a row}, I was feeling better by the next morning and within two days I was back to myself. Make sure you eat well, rest and even find time to get away for a few hours if possible when your kids are sick. If you’ve been stuck in the house for days {or weeks} you need to get away or you’ll go crazy. Go to Starbucks for 2 hours on Saturday morning or run to Target by yourself after the kids are in bed. Find a way to get some “me” time. Don’t be afraid to cancel plans or responsibilities to focus in on you and your kids during this season.

6. Remember, This Too Shall Pass – My sweet dad calls every day to check on the kids. He keeps telling me, “This too shall pass.” I know he’s right. It’s a season. It’s maddening. It’s frustrating. It’s discouraging. But it’s temporary. Find ways to laugh in the midst of the madness. Enjoy snuggle time with your puny little ones. Make the most of a tough season and remember, it won’t last forever.

What are some ways you have found to get through a tough season of sickness in your family?