Sick Days

Note: Michael got a stomach bug that was going around. It was unrelated to his doctor’s visit earlier in the week.

Okay so, our kid gets sick and we take care of them. We take them to the doctor if needed and we follow the advice. We heap on the TLC.  We’ve got that part down. But, what happens if you are sick?

It’s worth giving this some thought because it can be trickier for us as parents of kids with special needs to get a babysitter. 

What’s the Plan?

Think through an emergency plan with family and close friends when you are not sick so that you know what your options are when you need help.  Is there someone who lives close by who knows your child well enough to be able to watch them for a day or two if you are ill? Are there friends in the neighborhood who might be able to cover a few hours by inviting your child for a playdate (assuming you’re not sick with something that your child could be spreading)? 

Budget allowing, it might also make sense to have a babysitter who comes once or twice a month. Having this scheduled visit makes it more routine for your child and allows you time to go to your own scheduled doctor’s appointment, run a few errands or just get a break.  Then if you are not feeling well, this is already a person who knows your child and may be able to help during days when you can’t do all the caregiving yourself.

I was, and am, the worst about this stuff! I am lucky to have a loving family who offers to help, but I still have to remind myself that it is okay to get some rest and let someone else help me. I’m working on it.

If you’re like me, maybe set up an arrangement with another person to do this for each other. Then, when you need to call in the favor, you know you’ll be able to reciprocate when your friend or family member needs you.

Regardless of what solution you find, you truly do need to have a plan. It will take stress away to know that a friend has volunteered or that you can call your family member. It will also only help to broaden your child’s network. Also, here’s a part we never think about: the people who offer to help will be glad they could lighten your load.