Mamas, we have all been there…the dreaded diagnosis of the flu for one (or more) of our kiddos. All we can hope for is that our little one can soak in all of the well wishes offered, get some rest, and that we as mamas get through the next few days with ease without adding too many gray hairs to our head. So hang in there, and hopefully, some of these hacks can help make your days a bit easier.
1. Chicken Soup
How is it that Grandma was right all along? But time and time again, this simple medicinal soup works wonders. If your kiddo can keep food down, then chicken soup may be your new BFF. If you can spare some time away, in between the hacking coughs and vomit (yuck), then head to the kitchen to make this bowl of warmth that will do wonders for the body and soul. (Any store-bought brand works just as well)!
Homemade Chicken Soup recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth (any brand works or homemade)
- 4 cups water
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 large carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced (my kiddos don’t like celery, so I leave it whole)
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Spinach (optional)
- Orzo pasta (optional)
In a large pot over medium heat add in olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Sautee’ for about three minutes. Add in chicken, broth, water, and fresh herbs. Keep on medium to low heat until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Once the chicken is cooked through, take the chicken out and shred with a fork. Then place back in the broth. While the chicken is cooking in the broth, make the orzo pasta as directed. Once the pasta is done, place a small amount of pasta in a soup bowl and ladle the broth on top. (By keeping the pasta separate and serving in the bowl, this allows for the pasta to not become mushy in the broth and allows for no pasta in the soup if desired). Optional: add in chopped spinach on top and salt and pepper to taste. Oh, and the most important ingredient: a large dash of LOVE! Serve immediately and enjoy!
2. Open the windows, change the pillowcase, and Lysol the room.
Each morning, plan on spending five minutes to open the windows in your kiddos room, change the sheets they slept on, or if you don’t have time at least change the pillowcase. Then, Lysol the heck out the place!
I have to give credit to my mom for this hack. While I was growing up, she was the queen of Lysol. So much so, I can recall, quite vividly, the distinct taste of Lysol in my mouth and nasal passages while home sick.
This daily practice has always made me feel like a bit of the bacteria is leaving the room after a long night of sleeping while drooling those ever-present flu germs on the bed, coughing, and sneezing all bits of flu in the air, and just downright being sick and contagious. So go ahead, maybe your kiddo can also have adult memories of Lysol.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Whether your kiddo wants Gatorade, Vitamin Water, Pedialyte, hot tea with lemon and honey, or water, hydration is critical! Keep plugging those fluids, so dehydration does not set in.
4. Fresh air please!
A dose of fresh air does wonders! Even if kiddos are in bed for five days, barely moving and binge-watching Netflix, make an attempt to bundle up and get outside for even five minutes. We are not talking about laps around the driveway or cartwheels but just standing in the fresh air to fill up the lungs for a few minutes helping to make one feel better. This hack has always worked for my kiddos, with a lot of convincing on my end to get them out of bed, but they always seem to have a little bit more pep in their step once inside again.
5. Lots of TLC.
Mamas, I don’t need to give a mom hack here, you all know what to do for your kiddo. You are their mama after all! Stay healthy, and don’t forget to take care of yourself too!
Dr. Maria Zapson, from Caremount Medical, also offers the following tips for battling the flu:
Basic hygiene: Wash hands frequently, cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing, and brush teeth twice daily. Once feeling better, replace the toothbrush with a new one (toothpaste also).
Nutrition and hydration: Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C like oranges, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, grapefruit. Also, many teas help to hydrate and aid nausea like ginger tea and chamomile tea.
What mom hacks do you use to battle sickness?
 of our kiddos. All we can hope for is that our little one can soak in all of the well wishes offered, get some rest, and that we as mamas get through the next few days with ease without adding too many gray hairs to our head. So hang in there, and hopefully, some of these hacks can get help can make your days a bit easier. ){kind=link}