How to Survive When Your Whole Family is Sick

What to do when the whole family is sick?

It all begins when one kid says something like, “Mommy, my tummy hurts.” Then before you know it, they’re throwing up over a bunk bed and you feel your lunch lurching up, following in suit. With young kids, little bugs and colds are almost unavoidable, as is sharing them amongst the family. When your entire family is completely out of commission and cabin fever begins to set in, how can you save your sanity while being sequestered at home?

1. Indulge in an at-home spa day

So, you’re stuck and home and don’t have tons of energy. What can you do while lying on the floor? Spa day. Your kids will love to get to use your makeup (we all know they ask to, constantly) and they’ll chuckle at the inevitably poor toe nail painting they’ll give you. They’ll get a kick out of it, and you can lie there and enjoy the pampering. Then, you can return the favor and make them look beautiful, too.

2. Throw routine out the window…and be OK with it.

How can you keep up a routine when you can’t even be bothered to put on yoga pants and the thought of actual putting those yoga pants to use seems crazy? Don’t let your normal responsibilities nag at you as no one but you will know that the dishes weren’t done or the laundry is piling up. Order takeout, eat popsicles, and let grandma and grandpa come over and help when they offer to.

3. Picnic on the family room floor…or in bed. Need we say more? If you can barely get out of bed, why try? You’ve told your kids a million times that food stays in the kitchen, so offering them food in bed or picnic in the kitchen will be novel for them. It’s a fun way to still share a meal together, without having the added stress of setting the table and getting the kids to stay in their seats when they’re feeling under the weather.

4. Party like it’s Christmas (or another holiday)

Silly as it seems, this might be the perfect distraction for your family. Why not have Christmas in July or Thanksgiving in May? Get out your family’s favorite holiday decorations, eat a special meal, and watch your favorite out-of-season movies (we’re big fans of the Home Alone series!).

5.Create a family dance video

If you’re feeling a little better but the kids are within that no-fever-within-24-hours rule, let the littles pick out their favorite songs, then have everyone dress up in their most ridiculous outfits and press ‘record’. The results are bound to be hilarious and will have everyone giggling years from now.