When it feels like winter will never end, many families with little ones are running on empty. One virus follows the next, and everyday life takes more planning than usual. But with a few thoughtful routines and a little foresight, you can create better conditions for both recovery and less germ-spreading at home.
February. The month when the calendar fills up with sick-kid days (what we in Sweden call VAB – paid leave to care for a sick child), the laundry basket is never empty and someone is always coughing a little in the background. Vabbruary, simply put. For families with kids in daycare, it often feels like a marathon of colds, bad sleep and juggling work. You can't magic away every bug going around, but there are simple habits that can slow the merry-go-round of germs and hopefully make February a little less miserable – for kids and parents alike.
The most important things to focus on:
- Make handwashing a routine – especially when you get home from daycare and before meals
- Sleep is everything – do whatever gives the most sleep to as many of you as possible
- Lower the bar – February is not the month for a fully booked social calendar
- Air it out! – Make sure to get some fresh air into your home on a regular basis
- Plan sick-kid days ahead – agree in advance on who takes the next day at home with a sick child
- Give each other a break – If possible, give each other a chance to recharge a little. Vabbruary is tough for big and small alike, so look after each other whenever you get the chance.
- Stay home if you can – when the stomach bug is going around at preschool, it can sometimes be worth keeping the kids at home.
Remember – sometimes it really doesn't matter how well you plan or how careful you are with hand-washing. The whole family gets sick anyway. When that happens, try to let go of the expectations for a while and make something cosy out of it instead. Drag the duvets and pillows down to the sofa, snuggle up together and let a quiet movie moment be more than enough.