I’m shaking my head right now thinking about that whole “moms aren’t allowed to get sick” thing. What the heck?? Who came up with that anyway?? Moms are allowed to get sick and they do get sick — especially in the first couple years of school. Kids bring home all sorts of germs during their first couple years at school. And generally, about a week after school starts each new school year. Here I am, right on schedule — most definitely under the weather and dragging. Mom is sick.
I took one of my kids to a really long vision evaluation yesterday. Add that plus the long drive there and back and by the time I got home from dropping him off at school just before noon, I had no choice but to crawl into bed. Did I have a ton of to-dos waiting for me? Yup, sure did. Did I feel guilty about not doing them? Nope. Not anymore. I have learned the hard way — too many times to count — that if I get sick and don’t take care of myself, nobody wins. Especially me.
A partner, friend, or neighbor can pick up the kids from school; the kids can play outside; and dinner can be less-than-stellar. Last night, my family heated up cubed ham and potatoes meant to be baked into a casserole. Oh well! They lived and I likely cared more than they did. I am teaching the kids (and my hubby, which is probably more challenging than my kids) that when I’m needing to head to bed, that means I need to be there. And it’s best if everyone just lets me rest. Or else…
My oldest actually voluntarily came in and read his book as soon as they got home from school yesterday! I can’t be sure because I was going in and out of sleep, but I think he was there for at least a good hour. So sweet! The younger kid got some TV time and he survived, too. I’m definitely planning to spend some 1:1 time with him tomorrow though. By bedtime, I was really missing him.
Kids are teachable and resilient. I figure as long as I’m pouring into them when I’m feeling well, and have set expectations around the times that I’m not feeling well it will all work out.
It’s just cray-cray that our society has programmed this concept of moms-can’t-be-sick into our heads. I know finding coverage for x, y, z is easier said than done. That’s where building a village comes into play. (Hey! Another great topic to write about — adding that to my list for a future post!). Having people you can trust to pick up your kids last minute and vice versa, plus being okay with letting go of making sure things are perfect, and not allowing guilt to creep in over screen time when you’re down is important. Because… when mama ain’t feeling well, nobody wins. Now that should be the new mantra around moms and getting sick.
Cherish yourself: When you’re sick, rest. Short and sweet and everyone will be better off in the long-run. Especially you, mama.