Are you ready for a sick day?

A sick day plan is essential whether you are a stay-at-home mom or you work out of the house. If working from home is an option, make sure you have what you need to get your work done. Can’t work from home or be at home? Have a friend or family member ready to jump in when you (or the school secretary) call(s). If you don’t have a plan, now is the time to make one.

Running to a store with a sick child is not easy and sometimes not possible. Why not prepare a “Sick Day Box” in advance? Just fill a container with the usual sick day supplies – medicinal remedies, soda crackers, chicken noodle soup, ginger ale, a hot water bottle, a “bucket,” tissues, and some simple activities for the kids. (Keep some popsicles hidden away in the freezer too!) Don’t forget to restock your box after the fact.

Make the “queasy stomach” experience a little less fearful for your child by having him decorate his own colourful, sand bucket in advance with stickers and permanent markers. Get liquids into your child with a special “sick” cup – a funky straw cup, special tea cup, or Mom’s morning coffee mug are all great options! Or try a token system – each drink earns her a small prize at the end of the day. (Keep some small prizes in your bin). Stay connected with “walkie-talkies” when you can’t be at your child’s side or provide her with a bell.

Extra attention from Mom on “sick day” goes a long way towards recovery. So don’t be afraid to fuss a little with cold compresses, back rubs, and reassurance. If someone else is taking care of your child, phone once or twice or prepare a little get-well card for him to open during the day.

If you are sick, just put your feet up, lower your standards, and rest. You might want to keep a frozen meal or two on hand (homemade or store bought) so the gang won’t starve.