Sick with Kids: When the Whole Family Goes Down—Here’s How to Make the Best of It
Being sick without kids? Honestly, not that bad—assuming it’s nothing too serious. A regular cold? No problem! You can curl up on the couch in your coziest loungewear, binge-watch your favorite feel-good show, and sleep a glorious 12 hours a night. A few days later, you’re back on your feet. Bliss!
Being sick WITH kids, however, is a completely different ball game. Especially when your toddler gets sick first—because you know what’s coming next: mom and/or dad going down right after. Rest and recovery? Forget about it. At some point, even the most screen-time-conscious parents (hi, that’s me) will give in and hand over the tablet or turn on the TV. But don’t worry—there are a few things that can make the whole situation a little more bearable. And since I’m currently in the trenches, I’m sharing my best survival tips!
1. Nourishing Soups and Broths
Warm, comforting, and packed with vitamins—soups are the ultimate sick-day food. Even with a stuffy nose, you can still slurp them down, and if you don’t have the energy to cook, a good-quality organic chicken or vegetable broth will do the trick. Bonus tip: Adding some noodles makes it way more fun for little ones!
Übrigens: Mache dir am besten eine leckere Gemüsebrühe-Paste auf Vorrat, so hast du für den Notfall immer eine parat.
2. Home Remedy for Coughs: Thyme Tea with Honey
Grandma’s home remedies are classics for a reason! Thyme has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, while honey soothes the throat—the perfect combo. The best approach? Start sipping as soon as you feel the first signs of a cold.
Here’s how to make it:
- Add 1 tsp dried thyme leaves to a tea strainer and place it in a cup.
- Boil 150 ml (about ⅔ cup) of water, then let it cool slightly so it’s very hot but not boiling.
- Pour the hot water over the thyme, cover, and let it steep for 15 minutes.
- Stir in a teaspoon of honey—done!
Pro tip: In summer, I always dry a big batch of thyme from my garden so I’m stocked up for cold season.
Note: Due to the essential oils in thyme, this tea is not suitable for infants and very young children. When in doubt, check with your pediatrician.
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3. Beautiful Tea Sets for the Soul
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a difference. Drinking your tea from a beautiful mug or using a fancy teapot can add a little sparkle to an otherwise miserable sick day—and honestly, that boost in mood is priceless.
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4. Sick Days with Kids: Quiet Games & Crafting Ideas
When your child is too tired to play but too restless to nap, quiet activities are a lifesaver. Sticker books, simple crafts, or a creative coloring book can keep them entertained without wearing them out.
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5. Acceptance and Lots of Grace
Yes, the house will be a mess. Yes, screen time will skyrocket. And yes, dinner might come straight from the freezer. But you know what? That’s okay! The only goal is to get everyone healthy again.
So grab a blanket, pour yourself a cup of tea, and take a deep breath—it will get better!
Do you have any tried-and-true sick day survival tips? Share them in the comments! 🙂
Tip: Pin this post on Pinterest so you can find it easily when cold season hits!
