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How to deal with 5yo and 5mo whilst sick as well?

7 replies

Yoppi · 18/01/2023 01:12

I need some tips, we're all ill with what I think is tonsillitis or maybe flu at the moment. DH had it first and is still ill although his fever has just gone (it kept coming back), eldest has a fever which seemed to go and came back 10 hours later. 5mo is grizzling on and off all day and by 6pm is losing it and I really don't blame DC2 if they feel like we do.

I'm now progressively getting worse, I feel like I've been run over repeatedly, swallowed some knives and have the shivers to boot. DC1 and DC2 are both in our room and I'm up during the night with them both on and off, with DH up and about until about 1/2am ish if I need help then is sleeping in another room. I asked DH how on Earth he's managing working, he said he's hanging by a thread.

Eldest has bursts of energy, then plummets during the day. It means at times I have a normal 5yo to deal with and then followed by lots of crying and wailing and contact seeking (much like having a toddler again). Since I've got worse, we've camped out in bed as DC2 wants to be bf frequently anyway and only ventured out of the room for food. I feel awful for them. I accidentally fell asleep during the baby's nap time whilst the eldest watched a film on the TV, cuddled next to me. Before that, I did ask if we could go for a walk to get some air, DC1 said their legs hurt too much which, admittedly, they were unable to go downstairs for breakfast which is unlike them.

This evening I was so tired that I had to take a nap and leave him to try and navigate both of their bedtimes at once.

How else can I keep both baby and 5yo occupied whilst I feel like this? Are there any tips or tricks I'm missing?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
VikingLady · 18/01/2023 01:54

Liberal use of TV and tablets, take your top off and nap with the baby by you so he can help himself (honestly, I had norovirus when my babies were small and did this both times. Much easier)

Can the kids sleep with you? Less getting up, more cuddles. Then DH take the 5 year olds bed or the sofa. Not ideal, but still easier than constantly getting up!

Also easier food. Buy a bunch of fruit the. 5yo can manage himself, bread fit sandwiches, ready meals etc. Fill in the nutritional gaps with vitamin gummies.

GoT1904 · 18/01/2023 02:02

Sorry this isn't what you asked, but have you considered Strep-A given the outbreak at the moment? I say this only because if you got antibiotics it would shorten your suffering and you sound to have the symptoms.

You're doing what you can. Just take each hour as it comes, make sure your 5yo has toys, fluids, snacks available and don't feel bad about them watching movies and you nodding off. I hope you feel better soon, it sounds rough. X

Alittlelost0 · 18/01/2023 02:03

It's very very hard. There are no easy answers and I really feel for you. I've 3 under 5 and before Xmas had the flu so what worked for me was lots of TV time, snacks like grapes and ice lollies, and general survival mode. It will pass and a few days of them getting too much screen time, eating rubbish and just scrapping by won't harm anyone. Be kind to yourself, it can feel impossible.

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mathanxiety · 18/01/2023 02:05

TV is your friend here.

Drink plenty, all of you.

See if your doctor can see you, or go to immediate care.

Yoppi · 18/01/2023 03:48

Not sure what that first post was about Confused

Thanks for the replies. I've felt so bad for DCs the last few days, I think I'll just have to adjust my expectations of myself because it's different to just having the one. I did do some housework this evening to try and keep on top of some stuff but I think I need to be realistic.

@GoT1904 I did think of it but our GP is very much 'wait and see'. I've kept an eye on it and expected maybe a rash if it was strep a? Is that not the case?

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TheRookie · 18/01/2023 04:12

We have all just got over a similar bug. Me, DH, 4.5 year old and 1.5 year old. TV was on constantly, we brought the duvets down to the sofa. We loved off of Weetabix and a bit pot of chicken rice soup my Mum made for us. It was hard going but we just got through it with no expectations of anything other than making sure everyone was resting, and hydrated. There's nothing wrong with falling asleep while your eldest is watching TV. As long as you're nearby!

Yoppi · 20/01/2023 23:22

VikingLady · 18/01/2023 01:54

Liberal use of TV and tablets, take your top off and nap with the baby by you so he can help himself (honestly, I had norovirus when my babies were small and did this both times. Much easier)

Can the kids sleep with you? Less getting up, more cuddles. Then DH take the 5 year olds bed or the sofa. Not ideal, but still easier than constantly getting up!

Also easier food. Buy a bunch of fruit the. 5yo can manage himself, bread fit sandwiches, ready meals etc. Fill in the nutritional gaps with vitamin gummies.

Thank you. Not sure why your post was initially flagged but I took your advice and we did exactly that.

We're just starting to get past it now.

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