It starts with a cough. Just one, at first. Then another. Then before you know it, you’re trapped.
There’s snot on every surface. Someone’s running a fever. Another kid swears they don’t feel sick while looking suspiciously pale. Your house now smells like Vicks and desperation.
And you? You’re just trying to hold it all together.
I’ve been here too many times. So here’s what I’ve learned, from the trenches.
Step 1: The Sick-Day Arsenal
If you’re caught unprepared, you’re doomed.
There’s nothing worse than realizing at midnight that you’re out of kids’ ibuprofen. Or that the thermometer is lying to you.
Here’s what you need, always:
✔ Fever meds (and double-check the dosage, because I swear they change the rules every year).
✔ A working thermometer. (Not the one that suddenly decides your kid is 32°C and definitely dead.)
✔ Pedialyte, juice, broth— any liquid they’ll actually drink.
✔ A humidifier. (Optional, but really makes you feel like you’ve got your life together.)
✔ A sick bucket. (Because you never know.)
💡 When in doubt? HealthyChildren.org has solid, doctor-backed advice for when to panic vs. chill.
Step 2: Lower Every Single Expectation
🚨 Your house will be a wreck.
🚨 You will forget to eat.
🚨 Your kid will suddenly have opinions on medicine flavors.
Sick days are about survival.
Pile blankets on the couch. Stick on a movie you hate but they love. Let them eat dry crackers in bed because you don’t have the energy to argue.
And if they nap? For the love of all things good, YOU NAP TOO.
(Or at least lie there with your eyes shut and pretend.)
Step 3: Keep Yourself Alive Too
You know what’s wild?
You’re expected to function while taking care of a sick child.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
✔ Eat something. (Preferably not just the rejected toast crusts from their plate.)
✔ Drink water. (No, coffee doesn’t count. Neither does that leftover juice box.)
✔ Hand off duties if possible. (Tag in your co-parent, neighbor, or literally anyone willing.)
Because if you get sick next? The whole ship sinks.
Step 4: When to Call the Doctor
Most of the time, it’s just a waiting game.
But sometimes, it’s not.
🚨 Call a doctor if:
- The fever won’t budge even with meds.
- They refuse to drink anything. (Dehydration = Not good.)
- Their breathing seems off.
- You just have a bad feeling.
Parental instinct is a real thing. Trust it.
Step 5: Finding the Tiny Wins
Sick days suck. But there are small victories.
✔ They actually drink water? Win.
✔ They watch the same movie for the 900th time? Fine.
✔ You manage a shower? Nobel Prize.
Little things matter.
And if all else fails? Cuddle up, survive the day, and remind yourself this won’t last forever.
Step 6: When It’s Finally Over
One day, they wake up starving. They bounce off the walls again. Their energy returns overnight while yours is gone forever.
Your house looks like a war zone. There are laundry piles everywhere. You vaguely remember life before this, but it’s fuzzy.
✔ Ease them back in. (No marathons yet, even if they insist they’re FINE.)
✔ Fresh air helps. (Even just standing outside for a second like a confused zombie parent.)
✔ Clean everything. (Or at least pretend you will.)
And you?
✔ Collapse.
✔ Sleep.
✔ Pray you’re not next.
(Spoiler: You probably are.)
Final Thoughts from the Trenches
Here’s the thing:
Sick days are awful.
But one day, your kid won’t need you like this anymore.
✨ One day, they won’t call for you in the middle of the night.
✨ One day, they won’t ask you to hold them while they feel awful.
✨ One day, they’ll be all grown up, and you’ll miss being their safe place.
But you will NEVER, EVER miss the puke.
That’s a fact.