Sick season survival starts here–you’ll want to bookmark this
The Ailment Edit: surviving sick season without losing our sanity
COOKING Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
LISTENING Ask the Doctors: An Exact Plan For When You Get Sick some great tools in this episode to help you stay healthy
WATCHING Bad Sisters This is a must-watch!
BUYING Cashmere Sweater and Pants to stay comfortable but presentable
Currently
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve either got a box of tissues in arm’s reach or just sanitized your hands after dealing with… something. My parent group chats are chaos right now. Every day it’s the same: who’s coughing, who’s throwing up, and (horror of horrors) who’s got lice.
Sick season is here.
If your household has been hit, I’m right there with you. The good news? This season does end. The not-so-good news? We’ve got to survive it first. So, let’s get through this together. Here’s how to manage when you’ve got a sick kid, a demanding work schedule, and, eventually, your turn to catch whatever’s going around.
Step 1: When the Sick Kid Stays Home and Deadlines Don’t Care
Communicate Early and Honestly. Shoot your boss or team a quick email as soon as you know your day is about to get hijacked by caregiving. No need for a long explanation, just something like: “My kid is home sick today, so I’ll be juggling a bit. Here’s what I plan to prioritize.”
Set a Work-From-Home Game Plan. Pick 2-3 non-negotiable tasks for the day. Cancel all meetings and ask for a recap. Work in microbursts: 20–30 minutes during naps, quiet time, or screen time.
Lean on Tech (and Your Village). If they’re well enough, let them zone out with a movie or favorite educational apps guilt-free. Text a nearby friend or family member for backup if needed. Even an hour of help can be gold.
Adjust Expectations. Know you’ll probably need to push some things to tomorrow—and that’s okay.
Step 2: When YOU’re Sick and They’re Suddenly Bouncing Off the Walls
The cruel irony of parenting? The moment they’re better, you’re down for the count. Here’s how to handle this special kind of madness:
Simplify Everything. Meals? Think frozen pizzas, instant noodles, or delivery. Activities? Movies, puzzles, or the ultimate hero: a big cardboard box they can color on and turn into a fort.
Tag Team and Ask for Help. Let your partner take over for a while, even if it’s just long enough for you to nap. Drop your pride and call in favors. A relative or neighbor to take the kids for an hour? Say yes to all of it. Hire a babysitter, even for a couple of hours, if that’s an option.
Create a Low-Key Backup Plan. Have a stash of activities they can do solo: coloring books, LEGO kits, or a new pack of stickers. Prep an “emergency sick kit” now (if you’re not already sick) with easy snacks, electrolyte drinks, and kid distractions.
Sick season feels endless in the moment, but trust me, it does pass. Cut yourself some slack. Prioritize survival. Until then, take care of yourself, manage what you can, and know you’re not alone in this. And hey, if all else fails? Coffee. Always coffee.
You’ve got this. ❤️
All The Things
Shop my full Ailment Edit here.
For Cold/Sinus/Flu:
Medicine and Supplements For the Kids:
Propolis Immune Support Daily Throat Spray we all use this year round!
Propolis Throat Soothing Lollipops to ease sore throats and coughs
Mucinex Kids Dye-Free Cold, Flu & Sore Throat we use this when things get tough
Medicine and Supplements For the Adults:
Genexa Cold & Flu for if you prefer something more natural
For the Stomach Bug:
Medicine and Supplements For the Kids:
KinderLyte an electrolyte with no added sugar, dyes, or natural flavors
Hiya Kid's Probiotic to support gut health year round (50% off your first order)
Medicine and Supplements For the Adults:
Perelel Probiotic to support my gut health year round
Ginger Lemon Lozenges to help ease the nausea
For Lice:
Nix Electronic Lice Comb we’ve been using this daily because I AM PARANOID
Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Spray been using this daily too
For Quiet Entertainment:
Color Your Own Fort kit the ultimate quiet-time kind of activity for just $22
Snowman Pom Pom kit so cute, just bought this!
Mondo Llama Cosmic Bucket of Crafts I love all things Mondo Llama at Target and just picked this one up
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Thank you as always for joining this journey with me,
Barbara