Who takes care of a sick mommy?

I had a situation recently that we all go through. I had an awful migraine. I was nauseated, felt like my head would burst, and nothing helped. My husband HAD to go to work to give his presentation that day. I couldn't ask him to help me because this was very important. I was out of town so I hadn't made any friends around. And I had three small children to take care of!

I ended up giving them all donuts until they popped (something we don't do because my husband STRONGLY disapproves of donuts). And we all lied on the bed and watched TV for hours (actually they watched and I lay in pain). We did this until naptime - thank goodness for naps!

What I was wondering is when all of you get sick how do you handle all of your responsibilities? Especially when your spouse is not in a job that provides much room to beg out to help at home. I need some more ideas because I do occasionally get sick and if we do the same thing too much with these kids they get really bored and I have maniacs to deal with!

I would appreciate any suggestions.

I have been in similar situations on occasion when I am under the weather....and I have done the same thing that you do. I have found it much easier to do when they were smaller...We would watch a movie while laying in bed and I could doze in and out secure in the knowledge that they were right there with me.

The last time that I did that though was this summer....as soon as my oldest two noticed that I had dozed they jumped out of bed, unlocked the door and were out and about in the house. I woke up because I was just in a light sleep...but I would bet that they were on their own in the house for 15 minutes or so...and that really scared me...because what if something had happened? I would have felt terrible! As it was, they were playing in their room...but it sure was a wake up call to me...I just don't have another solution yet...so I am game for any suggestions!

Kristen

When I'm under the weather I normally recline in one of our chairs in the den. I block of the kitchen with the chair and put on a movie. The places that they can get to are pretty child proof but I do try to keep my ears open. Just goes to show that we all do pretty much the same thing. We just can't get sick that often, huh? Our little monsters can sniff out if mom is a little worn down a mile away. The only thing I tell them is the punishment for any wrong doing will be harsh. At the age mine are they understand this and normally keep it to a minimum. Mom has be known to explode when she gets up and the house has been destroyed ~ Devera

It's good to know that you both do pretty much what I do. I guess I don't feel as much like I'm falling down on the job. I wish I could have a nanny come and care for my kids whenever I got sick! And a nurse for me!

Jennifer

This is actually on of my biggest fears, other than having my two twins really sick at the same time. I think if worst came to worst and I was unable to run after them, I'd lock them in my bedroom and put a whole bunch of toys on the floor. Or open my dresser drawers and let them play with my clothes. For some reason, they like my pajamas best. Then I'd just have to clean up later.

One day recently, I could not wait until their nap to have a shower (I just wanted one NOW). So, I put the playpen (now used for "time out" when one bites or hits the other in a particularly vicious way) in our bathroom, gave them toothbrushes (which they LOVE), and talked to them from the shower. It worked. Likely only because of the novelty.

I also have a friend who shares childcare with me. We've made a pact that if one of us is REALLY sick, the other would come and get my kids. It works because she's a medical spouse too, and she understands that my husband can't stay home from work or her husband will have to work harder (they are partners). So, it's a safety net, but I've never had to use it. Try to find a friend who can do that with you. It's hard, but maybe there's another mother in your community that has that same fear. I think all of us mothers worry about that.

I think that child-swapping is a great idea. When we lived in PA I had a friend that I could do that with....We swapped for drs appointments, etc...and it was nice.

I wish that we had some friends here that we could do that with!

Kris

Kristen,

Just ship your kids to Texas the next time you get sick and I'll watch them!

Jennifer

(That is a very good idea, Janet. I'll have to find someone nearby to do that with).

Jennifer, My mom lives in Bedford....she has been dying to tell you this online.....but is a bit shy..even online....so you could always call her! Next time I come home to visit, we will have to meet!

Kris

That's great! We live in north Grand Prairie. Please do tell me when you come in town. Bedford is only about 15 to 20 minutes away!

Jennifer

I definately will! That is really neat. Sometime this year....hmmmm I better start dieting now. Didn't you say you are a size 4?

Kris

No, I think Jennifer said size TWO!!! And after twins. I'm completely in awe... Just kidding Jennifer, way to go...

Smiles to all,
Janet

Today I'm a sick mommy. Woke up with something wrong with my stomach. I sure hope it wasn't my sister-in-laws homemade wine. I had only two glasses!

Then again, it would be worse if it is a rotovirus. So, I'll tell you how my little monkeys behaved while mommy was sick. So far they've been running around without diapers. I'm too ill to chase them, wrestle them down, and put on the diaper!!! Taking if off was the easy part.

Janet
Edited by Janet at: 9/4/00 6:58:02 pm

I hope you start feeling better soon.....my sons favorite thing to do is take off his diaper! Put one on and off it goes! Hope dady gets home soon!

Sending you virtual chicken soup and sleep!


Kris

I hope you feel better soon (preferably before the kids burn the house down). If you think you have food poisoning (yuck!) then Get Thee to a Hospital! Aren't you just daydreaming of your girls being pottytrained - especially at times like this? I hope you can find the time to rest!
(either you will find my smiles encouraging or obnoxiously healthy but they are meant to cheer you up).

Jennifer

Hi there. My girls took an unusually long nap this afternoon, so I slept like a log. I feel much better now. I think it was my sister-in-law's wine. I had only two glasses with dinner (that's my normal Safe Limit, i.e., the amount I'd have to not feel any afteraffects the next day). But homemade wine can have a lot of strange things in it... so, I've swron to stick with my favourite commercial brands.

Anyone ever had an experience like that? With homemade wine, I mean?

Thanks for the get-well-soon emails. They made me smile (yes, Jennifer, they were encouraging smiles!). By the way, I've seen you two use those little graphics before. Where do you get them and how do you use them?

Janet