Getting Through Kids’ Colds and Fevers (and Why I’ve Been MIA)

Hello friends,

If you’ve noticed a little radio silence from me lately, it’s because life has been extra hectic. My whole family has been battling a round of colds and fevers, and let me tell you—it has been a week! My oldest had it the worst, and between sleepless nights, endless tissues, and trying to keep everyone (including myself) somewhat sane, my energy tank hit empty pretty quickly.

First off, thank you for your patience and understanding. I’m so grateful for this little community and the grace you’ve shown me while I’ve been navigating this chaos.

The Chaos of Kids’ Colds and Fevers

There’s a universal struggle every parent knows: when your little ones get sick, it’s all hands on deck. This past week, our nights were filled with thermometer checks, fever reducers, humidifiers humming away, and a lot of comforting snuggles.

One particularly memorable (and exhausting) part of the week was the five consecutive nights my oldest daughter crawled into our bed. As much as I adore cuddling with her, she has a habit of sleeping very close to my face—so close, in fact, that it felt like she was breathing directly into my nose. Add her snoring to the mix with my husband’s, and you can imagine how much rest I actually got.

On the brighter side, we had some sweet moments too, like curling up together for Christmas movie marathons. It’s those little pockets of joy that kept me going, even when I was running on fumes.

But as any mom knows, the hardest part of having a sick kid isn’t the inconvenience—it’s the worry. When my daughter’s fever spiked in the middle of the night, I found myself on the phone with the on-call nurse, debating whether we needed to head to the ER. That mix of helplessness and anxiety is so real, and it never gets easier.

My Go-To Tips for Surviving Cold & Fever Season

After this whirlwind week, I’ve got a few tips to share for surviving cold and fever season:

1. Prepare for the Onslaught:
   Keep essentials like thermometers, fever reducers, humidifiers, and tissues fully stocked. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling to find Tylenol at 2 a.m.
2. Comfort is Key:
   Cozy blankets, warm baths, and their favorite shows or movies work wonders. Sometimes, just creating a calm and comfy environment makes a big difference.
3. Hydration Hacks:
   If your kids aren’t big on drinking water, try fun alternatives like popsicles, broths, or using silly straws to make drinking feel like a game. Luckily, my oldest was a hydration champ this time, which made things a bit easier.
4. Know When to Call the Doctor:
   If fevers last more than a few days, or if there are signs of dehydration or other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. That middle-of-the-night call to the on-call nurse was a lifesaver for my peace of mind.

Staying Sane as a Mom

Let’s be honest: taking care of sick kids can leave you feeling completely drained. Finding even five minutes to take care of yourself is crucial. Whether it’s sneaking in a quick shower, sipping on a hot (or reheated) coffee, or sending a vent text to a friend, those small moments of self-care matter.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, let me remind you: you’re not alone. Every mom has been there, and it’s okay to feel stretched thin. You’re doing an amazing job, even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.

To any moms in the thick of this cold and flu season: I see you. You’re not alone, and you’re doing great—even when it feels like you’re barely holding it together.

Kids are resilient, and these moments, as tough as they are, will pass. In the meantime, let’s support each other. What are your go-to survival tips for sick days? I’d love to hear them in the comments so we can all get through this season a little easier.

Thankfully, we’re starting to turn a corner over here, and I’m easing back into our normal routines (and hopefully, some more sleep!). Thank you again for sticking with me through this crazy time. Your support means the world.

Stay tuned—there are some exciting posts coming to the blog soon that I can’t wait to share with you! Until then, take care, and here’s hoping for a healthier, calmer week ahead.

Warmly,
Chloe