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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:
Theonlywayicanloveyou · 26/01/2026 06:04

Survival only. Easy food (beans on toast, cereal for dinner etc) and as much screen time as you need. Take painkillers to keep you going

TheMorgenmuffel · 26/01/2026 06:10

I just let things go to shit tbh.
I did only what was actually essential and let cbeebies do the heavy lifting.

TheMorgenmuffel · 26/01/2026 06:12

Now i think of it, I remember my mum would grab a pillow and go to sleep on the floor in front of the fire while we had the tv on and our toys out.

Knitterofcrap · 26/01/2026 06:25

I wouldn’t be hoovering or cooking meals. Surely DH can provide food?

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