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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask how you parent and run a sick household when you are sick yourself?

29 replies

LostMyPink · 25/01/2026 20:40

I know every parent will have to at some point but feeling broken and asking for tips rather than judgement. Mum to DS1 2years and DS2 3months. DS2 had 12 week vaccines this week, and we both came down with a stinking cold at the same time. DS2 super unsettled through the night as a result, and I’m averaging 2-3 hours of sleep the past 4 nights while feeling horrendous myself. DH been great at looking after DS1 (he gets up with him in the morning, gets him ready, gives brekkie, entertains, plays etc and does bedtime routine) and his hands are full most of the (weekend) day(s) with him. Doing what I feel like I have to round the house (laundry, quick vacuum) but making easy meals etc. Day 5 of being ill, and I feel worse, not better. DS1 who was otherwise well apart from perpetual nursery cough has had a fever today, tired and been off his food. DS2 may be over vaccine side effects but has a horrible chesty cough (went to GP Friday, spoke to 111 yesterday, keeping an eye on symptoms), and DH now has the lurgy too! I’ve had intermittent chest pains today and feeling horrible - any tips to get through this?!

OP posts:
ItsameLuigi · 25/01/2026 20:47

Mine are (almost)7& 8 now but I've been a single parent since my youngest was 3. Honestly it's just survival mode. If I don't clean, do things around the house it doesn't get done. But when I'm ill, I prioritize rest wherever I can. When they were younger and ill I'd get them to bed as early as I could and get through a few jobs. Even just wash some dishes and hoover, then lie down and rest.

I make a list of housework to be done, and then order it highest priority to lowest and try and just do one or two when I can. Coffee and red bull also are my friends lol. Food, don't feel bad if it's tomato soup and a slice of toast or chicken nuggets and fries. Whatever you can manage and doesn't make you feel too ill. Lots of medicine & sleeping where you can (during nap time?) don't do housework in that time just rest. Soon you'll all feel better and you can send DH out for a bit with the kids and zoom through the house. Prioritise your own well-being. Don't feel guilty for screen time, "bad" food or anything else. Just make sure there's clean clothes and some form of food 😂. It's horrendous being ill with kids though, you have my sympathy.

whatisforteamum · 25/01/2026 20:47

Yes I remember this happened a couple of times.
No hacks just remember each day is one nearer to feeling better.

WhoDecidedImAnAdultImNotQualified · 25/01/2026 20:45

That sounds so tough op, most of us have been there, and I hope you're all feeling better soon.

My tip - low standards.

Do the absolute minimum, don't worry too much about housework or healthy meals, if screen time for your 2yo gets you through, stick the TV on, if it's toast for tea, so be it, if you can afford takeaways then go for it. If the kids are sleeping/settled and safe then cosy up on the couch and nap yourself.

You will get through this, and it will all be a bad memory in a few days.

Swaytheboat · 25/01/2026 20:43

It's hideous. I don't think there are any hacks really. Just keep drinking fluids to try and speed up getting well and allow yourself to cry. That's my approach anyway.