Being Sick When You’re A SAHM: 5 Hacks To Deal

Alessandra | Posted on October 7, 2024 |

Stay at home moms don’t get sick day, unfortunately. But there are ways to manage! In this blog, learn how to deal while being sick when you’re a SAHM.

Being sick when you’re a SAHM is not fun! Now that summer is officially behind us and the “Ber” months have arrived, it’s unfortunately bound to happen though. With these months (you know, September through December) come the sick months too. School is in full swing and the germs make their [very unwelcomed] arrival. If you’re a stay at home mom (SAHM) then you know all too well that you never get a sick day, no matter what the circumstances. And being home with sick kids while you’re sick — actually your kids are probably better now that you’re sick, because that’s how it works — so being sick while your kids have their restored energy back is HARD.

As crappy as it is, there are ways to manage being sick when you’re a SAHM so you can get through the day. In this blog, we’ll discuss 5 realistic ways to help you deal with being sick while you’re home with your little ones. Keep reading to learn more!

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5 Tips to Deal With Being Sick When You’re A SAHM

Being sick when you’re a SAHM who doesn’t get a day off can be overwhelming! But with some practical tips and a little bit of mindset shifts, you can get through it. Let’s dive in to learn some simple and real ways of how you can deal with motherhood and being sick.

1. Embrace Simplicity & Lower Expectations

When you’re feeling under the weather, this is not the time to aim for perfection or adding more to your plate. Stick to the very bare essentials, you and your kids will survive, don’t worry! For now you can make simple meals (freezer meals or take out). Let go of any non-urgent chores, the floors do not need to be vacuumed right now! Just give yourself permission to rest. It’s okay if things aren’t running smoothly for a day or two.

2. Use Screens Strategically

While screen time might be limited on normal days, when you’re sick, it’s okay to lean on it more. If it makes you feel better, find educational shows or age-appropriate movies to keep your kids occupied while you get some rest. Make it fun by having your kids build a fort in the living room, then relax together. A little extra TV time won’t hurt for a couple days while you take it easy. In fact, I think it will teach your kids that it’s essential to rest when you are sick! Your regular routines will not be messed up by a couple days off, so enjoy the extra snuggles and down time.

3. Prep A Sick-Day Survival Kit

This sounds fancy right? You can have this prepared all the time, even when you’re not sick! Put together a kit with easy-to-access items like non-perishable snacks, tissues, water bottles, books, coloring books, and simple activities for your kids. This way, when you are sick, you can easily hand them out without having to overexert yourself or you can put them where you kids can reach so they can grab them all by themselves! This helps you get some rest and your kids can feel independent and have fun, while you sit on the sidelines and watch.

4. Ask for Help Without Guilt

Sometimes you just need a little help and that’s ok! Whether it’s calling in a favor from a friend, asking family members to pitch in, or hiring a babysitter for a few hours, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Being a stay at home mom doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone, especially when you’re not feeling well.

5. Make Rest a Priority, Even in Small Increments

When you’re a sick SAHM you may not have the luxury of sleeping all day, but you can take advantage of nap times or quiet play to get some rest. Even short bursts of sleep can help you feel more rejuvenated and better able to handle the demands of the day. Closing your eyes for a bit while your child naps or is watching a movie can make a big difference!

Extra:

Sometimes, when you’re really sick (like have a stomach bug or the flu) you NEED help. If your husband/spouse has to take a day off from work to help, then communicate that with him. It might be difficult to take a day or you might not want him to “waste” a sick day for you, but sometimes it’s a must. Even if he has the ability to work from home, that’s better than nothing. I had the flu one winter and literally couldn’t get out of bed. I’m fortunate that my husband works from home, and he was able to get brief moments to help our toddler get lunch and snacks, but for most of the day she just sat on the couch and watched TV.

So ultimately, you gotta do what you gotta do! If you need help from your husband, just ask. Listen to your body and know if you need a day of rest and go with the flow.

Final Thoughts

Being sick when you’re a SAHM stinks!! It’s tough and no one wants to deal with it, but for many of us it’s inevitable and we all do get through it. By lowering your expectations, asking for help, and prioritizing rest, you can recover more quickly while still keeping things manageable at home. Remember, this phase will pass, and it’s okay to have off days while you focus on your well-being! I hope you find these practical strategies helpful to get you through a couple sick days. Let me know in the comments section below what you think and get well soon, mama!

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