The Shortlist vol. 2
When the kids are sick and deadlines don’t care
Welcome back to my second Shortlist. And yes, I promised this would be biweekly, yet here I am just one week after sending my first.
But we have to talk about the reality of the moment. Because if you’re reading this, there is a good chance sickness has already made its way through your house. Or you are waiting for it to hit.
Two weeks ago, my son came down with the flu. The second I mentioned it on Instagram, my inbox filled up. “Us too.” “Day five over here.” “Just getting over it.” He missed five days of school. The rest of us avoided it at first thanks to fast action with Xofluza and Tamiflu, but then a few days later, COVID caught up with me and took me out for a couple of days.
Sick season isn’t just a health challenge; it’s a systems challenge. When the baseline of your life - childcare, school, your own physical energy - evaporates, you have to recalibrate immediately. Here is the Shortlist for surviving the season without losing your mind.
Phase 1: Your kid is sick and deadlines don’t care
When the school run is replaced by a fever watch, your goal isn’t “productivity.” It’s triage.
Communicate early: Don’t wait until you’ve missed a 10 AM to say something. Send a Slack/email: “Kid is home sick today. I’m prioritizing [Task A] and [Task B]. I’ll be slower to respond to everything else.” Clear information is more helpful than apologizing.
Work in sprints: You cannot work an 8-hour day. Don’t try. Work in 20–30 minute bursts during naps or screen time. Focus on the “big rocks” only.
Let screens do their job: If Moana buys you an hour of focused work, it’s a tool, not a failure. (Pro tip: Save a “new” movie they haven’t seen for when you have your most important call).
Phase 2: You are sick and the kids are suddenly fine
This is the hardest part. The kids bounce back just as you hit your limit. This is where expectations drop as low as they need to.
Simplify everything: Meals go on paper plates. Lunch is crackers, cheese, fruit, whatever requires zero effort. If it does not involve cooking or cleaning, it counts.
Bring out the activities: Set yourself up to rest while they play. Keep a small bin of low-effort activities nearby. Stickers, magnetic tiles, anything they can do next to you while you stay horizontal. (ideas below)
Tap out: Ask for help or outsource without overthinking it. If you have a partner, they are the default parent today. Call a babysitter. Order dinner on DoorDash. You do not need to justify it.
Sick season feels endless when you are in it, but it does end. Success this week is not about checking every box or keeping things running perfectly. It is about getting through a rough stretch and knowing it is temporary.
Genexa Cold Medicine for kids and for adults
Propolis Throat Spray for kids and for adults
Hiya Probiotic, Hydration, and Multivitamin
Yoto Mini Player and Yoto Cards (we love Daniel the Tiger, Frozen, and Paw Patrol in our house)
Mondo Llama Crafts (Craft Bucket, Drawing Pad, Craft Combo Pack, Glitter Glue Pens)
Quiet Time Toys (Magnetic Blocks, Building Sticks, Clixo Mission Pack)
ICYMI: I’m not waiting for a book deal
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My in-depth research on European Summer Camp programs
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Join by the end of this month for 40% off ($5/mo or $50/yr). Just hit “Subscribe” and select your preference.
New Modern Mom Podcast Spotlight
TLDR, inside this episode:
🧠 What habit stacking is and the science behind why it works
💡 My go-to habit stacks that make life feel more aligned
🛠 A mini coaching exercise to help you build your own
🌿 Why stacking isn’t about doing more, it’s about becoming who you want to be
📲 How to start with what you already do and build from there
A one-second favor?
❤️ Leave a little love below if you found this valuable
💬 Drop a comment sharing your favorite sick-day tip
📤 Hit ‘Share’ to send this to your group chat
Thanks for joining me on this journey,
Barbara
P.S. This post contains affiliate links including the Amazon Associates Program, so I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
