Winter is coming... and so are the germs
My fellow parents and caregivers, if you're like me, that crisp morning air that we've felt the past week not only sent shivers down your spin because of the temperature drop, but also the trauma that is winter. And we all know what winter...
Kasey Simpson shares the latest episode in her regular parenting column, The Joyful Chaos
My fellow parents and caregivers, if you're like me, the recent crisp morning air not only sent shivers down your spin because of the temperature drop, but also because of the trauma that is winter. We all know what winter brings… sickness. And there's nothing like trying to balance sick children and work to really make you feel alive.
You all know what I'm talking about. Your kid wakes up with a fever and a cough, or you see the dreaded school number show up on your phone, and you're torn between having to snuggle with them all day and wanting to curl up in a ball and cry because you have a can't-miss deadline or that really important meeting at work. It's like a game of tug-of-war, but instead of a rope, it's your sanity that's being pulled in opposite directions. It's the delicate dance of careful coordination, patience and parental favours.
And let's not forget the joys of trying to get work done while your little one is sitting next to you, sniffling and coughing like a tiny phlegm factory. Not to mention that you also know this will slowly stagger its way through the whole family, setting you back at least a week.
Be sure to take care of yourself. Eat well, rest up and wash your hands like you're prepping for surgery or wear a hazmat suit – whatever you have in your toolbox. Regardless, you're definitely next in line, so best to be in fine form before it hits. Things will get chaotic. Your kids will be sneezing, coughing and whining while your boss is calling and your inbox fills up. Just breathe and repeat, 'this too shall pass'.
As we head into winter, let's take a moment to appreciate the chaos and the hilarity that comes with the eternal juggle of parenting. Stock up on tissues, vitamins, and a healthy sense of humour (there's nothing like a good laugh to help you forget about the fact that your kid just sneezed in your face), because we're going to need all three to make it through the season.
