Real Mom's Don't Get Sick..Who Ever Said That Was Wrong!

Photo Credit Jeroen van Oostrom

It's winter. You can you hear the little sniffles, the clearing of throats and the chatter about how many student's were absent from school today. As you use extra hand sanitizer, fist bump instead of shaking hands, and innocently turn your cheek when your child reaches to kiss you good night you hope and pray that the invisible virus will skip over you this winter.

You're a mom there isn't time for the flu; it's an impossibility. Yes, as moms we are undoubtedly the glue that holds the home together, okay we run it completely, but still the microcosm which you have created can exist without you. I can't guarantee for how long or how well it will run, but the days will pass and everyone will eat and bathe (maybe not bathe).

Throughout the years of motherhood I have discovered that although being sick is a huge drag and puts everything completely on hold there are many beneficial aspects that can come from not feeling well. Being sick allows your children to take on responsibilities that neither you nor them knew they could handle. It also gives children an opportunity to learn compassion; to be a care giver. Younger children are use to being waited on and taken care of. This gives them a chance to bring you a glass of water, or a box of tissues. It's a way for them to understand the beginning of independence as well. As you suffer silently on the couch they can build a fort by themselves around you, play silently with their Legos or Barbies, and enjoy a juice box and Goldfish while having a carpet picnic.

I have found that many moms feel guilty or incompetent when they get sick. Nobody wants to be sick but it happens even to the healthiest of moms. We're people and we don't have to live up to an unattainable standard; who set this epic standard anyway? When you feel under the weather take care of yourself and realize that allowing your children to take care of you is not weakness it is an opportunity to teach them to be caring, independent, and kind people.

Over the years I really didn't have too many bouts with the flu, but I did have about a decade of PMS that knocked me out for about 1-3 days depending on the month. The physical cramps were comparable to the beginnings of labor. I tried every herb, vitamin, exercise, and meditation mantra available. Over the years I have learned how to manage it and finally accept it. Once I accepted it and stopped feeling bad about it I was mentally healthier. Most months my younger sons had no idea they just thought it was a great day when mom laid on the floor and played Dino's all day. As they got older their compassion grew and they lovingly would hand me the heating pad. It's all good...we're a family and that's what families do.

Have you given yourself permission to relax and accept that your family and home will make it while your down for the count?