We have a special Friday Confession for you this week! Today we’re featuring a confession by Gina of Steps To Self. As moms, one of our many roles is being a nurse to our sick kids. But at the same time, we don’t have time to get sick or the whole operation shuts down!
Gina shares what she does when one of her kids get sick and I happen to think this is a great idea!
Here is Gina’s Friday Confession…
Sleep is a precious thing as a mom, especially if you have to get up and trek into the office bright and early or sound halfway intelligent on a conference call.
We’re all familiar with the scenario where your child comes into your room in the middle of the night with a complaint, be it a headache, stomach ache, sore throat, or any number of ailments. The classic is the vague and tear-filled, “I don’t feel good.”
I feel terrible for my sick kids and always want to make them feel better, but I am not one to sweep them into the comfort of my own bed. I’ve learned over the years that there’s no way I will get any good sleep with an extra kicking body in my bed (are children made of elbows?!). Plus, I don’t want to get sick.
Confession
So when my kids come to my room with complaint of sickness or jarred from a nightmare, I kindly offer them the spot on the floor next to my bed. “Here’s a pillow for you,” I tell them, “come sleep on the floor next to mommy,” like it’s some special privilege.
I’ll give medicine or a cool cloth when needed, then roll back over to get some rest. The good part is, I can keep an eye on the child and listen for worsening without having to sacrifice an entire night of sleep.
With four kids, there’s a rotation of sick kids and nightmares throughout the year. Imagine how much of a wreck I would be if I were constantly sacrificing nights of sleep—it would be like never leaving the newborn stage.
Wrapping Up
I feel a little guilty, but I think this compromise of closeness actually works for them. Hopefully they won’t be telling their therapist about it years from now.
About Gina!
Gina Morris writes on the Steps to Self blog. As a mom of four, she’s learned the hard way the importance of self-care. Her passion is helping other moms attend to themselves and live their best life. Find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.
Gina, excellent post and what an innovative solution to not only make a sick kid feel loved but to love yourself. Something many of us moms can try