3 Coping Strategies for When You’ve Got Sick Kids

Whether it's an ear infection, the flu, or just a really gross runny nose, nothing is worse than having sick kids. While you may not be able to wave a magic wand and instantly cure everyone, there are some things you can do to ease the pain … Literally. Check out these three coping strategies for when your kids get sick.

Remember that this too shall pass

Before doing anything else, breathe. It's easy to get overwhelmed quickly when germs overtake your house. Sometimes it feels like the coughing and snot will never end. It will. I promise. When you start to feel the panic set in, take a few minutes. Close your eyes, visualize your happy place, and remind yourself that this will all be a distant memory in a few weeks. 

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Lower your expectations

Now is not the time to be vying for the cleanest, most put together house award. This is about survival. You're probably not going to be able to keep up with the laundry or prepare four-course meals. But if you handle anything that gets puked or peed on in a timely manner and there's a vegetable somewhere on the plate — or in the box — that works. Everyone can pitch in to get things back in shape when the sickness has passed. 

Don't forget to take care of yourself

There's a reason airlines tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping your children with theirs. It's easy to forget to take care of yourself when you're knee deep in fever stickers and used tissues. But taking care of yourself is critical. Get enough sleep and good nutrition to ensure you're operating at your best and decrease the chance you'll get sick. And an extra dose of vitamin C doesn't hurt either. 

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Do you have any good tips or coping strategies for when you've got sick kids?