Feeling unwell whilst looking after toddler

[silverphotoframe]

Hi,

Basically I've had a cold for about 2 weeks that I have not been able to kick because I have not had the opportunity to rest properly due to having a very energetic 2 year old...

Yesterday was just awful, managed to do the bare minimum around the house etc, was able to take DD out for a short walk. Went to bed the same time as DD so at least managed to get a reasonably decent nights sleep. Today has not been much better although a mild improvement.

I think I cope reasonably well with the single mum thing, but it is soooo hard when I am not feeling well. All I want to do is go to bed but that is impossible with the little one. She won't let me have a nap. I don't really have many people who would be able to look after her for a bit during the day.

This post is really just to have a bit of a whinge but also to see if any one has a golden nuggets of advice they may have with regard to how to cope when you are not feeling too well and are the sole carer of a small child.

Thanks for reading.

[Mumof3xx]

No advice here but being recently seperated I am now dreading becoming ill and having 3 dc under 6 to care for!

Hope you feel better soon

[niceupthedance]

Get some DVDs on!
Go to bed every night at same time until you feel better.
Just do what you can, it's horrible when you feel ill, lots of sympathy from me!

[Yika]

Do you have a regular babysitter who can come in daytime hours at all?

Otherwise, try to get your toddler doing activities which are absorbing for her but where you can just sit quietly supervising with a cup of tea. Eg 'painting' your walls and fences with a brush and a bucket of water, digging in garden, Lego, stickers and colouring,.. Tv ...

Being ill is probably the hardest time when you are a line parent - its a nightmare.

[Yika]

'lone' I meant

[exexpat]

Time to lie on sofa and try to doze while toddler watches TV... Or be the 'patient' or 'customer' (ie lie down) while toddler is doctor or hairdresser?

Do you have anyone nearby who might be able to take her to the park for an hour or two to wear her out? Maybe another mum from post-natal or play group? You could promise to do the same for her in due course - even non-working parents with DHs/DPs at work can be glad of a daytime break from a toddler if they aren't feeling well.