Introduction: When Motherhood Feels Like a Storm
Some days in motherhood feel like a gentle breeze—kids playing quietly, everyone healthy, and the world moving at a manageable pace. Then there are days like today—true sick day survival for moms. One of my toddlers is sick with a 103°F fever, a rattling cough, and body aches that leave them clinging to me for comfort. They’re miserable, and all I want to do is take their pain away.
Moms don’t get to pause when life spins out of our control. We push forward, even when we’re running on fumes.
Between comforting them, handling medical and dental appointments, managing my own ailments, and surviving on little sleep, self-care feels impossible. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: taking care of myself in the chaos isn’t selfish—it’s survival.
The Reality of Mom Guilt & Self-Care
It’s easy to believe that self-care can wait—that it’s a luxury when, in reality, it’s a necessity. When we’re exhausted, stressed, and running on empty, we’re not giving our best to the little ones who need us most. They need us to be okay, too.
Today, self-care doesn’t look like a spa day or a long bath. Instead, it’s about small choices that keep me going:
💧 Staying hydrated—when we’re focused on keeping them drinking fluids, we forget to do the same for ourselves.
💜 Giving myself grace—if all I do today is hold my sick child, that is enough.
🌿 Choosing natural remedies that support healing instead of adding more stress to their body.
👉 One of my favorites? Hyland’s Naturals Cough & Mucus medicine. It helps soothe coughs and support the immune system—but keep in mind, it won’t reduce fevers. I pair it with plenty of fluids, rest, and snuggles to help my little one feel as comfortable as possible.
Clean Living in the Middle of Chaos
Sick days remind me why I prioritize a natural, clean lifestyle. Our bodies are already working overtime when we’re sick—I don’t want to overload them with unnecessary chemicals.
That’s why I reach for gentle, natural solutions:
🌿 Essential oil rollers for tension relief (peppermint for headaches, lavender for stress).
💨 A humidifier with eucalyptus to help with congestion.
🍵 Warm herbal tea (without honey for babies under one!) to soothe sore throats.
💆♀️ Natural, skin-safe chest rubs instead of petroleum-based alternatives.
(Want more toddler-safe remedies? I’ll be posting a roundup of toddler-safe remedies soon!)
Finding Calm in the Chaos
Sick Day Survival for Moms isn’t about having a perfectly structured day—it’s about making the little moments count. There’s no such thing as “me time” on days like this. That doesn’t mean I can’t find small moments to let go of the stress—ones that don’t fuel the infamous mom guilt.
💜 Snuggle Time as Self-Care
Instead of feeling guilty for “not getting anything done,” I remind myself: this moment is enough. Holding my child, being their comfort—that is the most important thing.
💦 Hydration Check
I’m making sure my toddler drinks fluids all day, but what about me? A glass of water, a sip of tea—every little bit helps.
☀️ One Minute of Fresh Air
Even if it’s just stepping onto the porch for a deep breath, a little sunlight can help reset my energy.
Final Thought: Sick Day Survival for Moms — You Are Doing Enough
Even on the hardest days, small moments of care can make a difference. For more self-care ideas that fit into a busy day, read 5-Minute Self-Care for Busy Moms.
If you’re in the trenches right now—a sick toddler, exhaustion, your own health struggles—you are not alone.
💜 It’s okay if the house is a mess.
💜 It’s okay if dinner is takeout.
💜 It’s okay if today is just about getting through.
Take a deep breath. Take a sip of water. You deserve care, too. 🌿✨
