What's worse than having 3 sick kids? Having 4 sick kids. Kidding.
Seriously though, having sick children can be draining, difficult and just plain not fun, especially when you have a few down at once. Wintery weather can bring this on.. add to it home education and you've got yourself a bad case of cabin fever times 6 (papa bear too). Or have you?
Why is it at times, I have thought, that having a sick child or two, can be somehow..... relaxing? Different? Quiet? I have wondered this before, and I have a few answers.
When I have a sick child I tend to let go of so many other things. Commitments are cancelled. No activities (yes we home educate, but we still have 'after school' things on like ballet). The focus comes in.... we rest and nurture. There is an incredible simplicity in this, which is somehow peaceful.
This week I have had a sick 9 year old and a sick 4 year old and a grizzly baby probably sick as well. What this meant is that all outside activities have been cancelled. Focus has been on resting, playing, eating well, drinking water... and lots of chai (made by my 4 year old)
We have barely ventured out. One trip to the op shop to buy buttons and recycled materials for April's craft project. "Yes I know I'm sick mum but I just want to sew!" she declared. We have accomplished some tasks like a bedroom clean out, a shelf tidy, a few rows of knitting. We have cooked together, had muffins for breakfast, played cubbies, kings and queens, and watched the BBC version of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. All this and we are supposed to be having a miserable time being sick. Yes, I am thankful that none of them are terribly ill, for certain there is no joy in a very sick child.
What we have experienced is the calm in slowing down.
What I have learnt from this is that we shouldn't need to be sick to enjoy such a time.
I plan in future to have 'days off' like this where we don't rush about from one thing to another, where we stay in and see where the day takes us, taking the time to do what comes up.
So wishing you too, some quiet time, some time to see where the day takes you, just focusing on your immediate needs, and enjoying the time with your dear ones.
And what does tomorrow hold.... Miss ivy has declared a sore throat.. so looks like we are chilling times 4.
Rachel.
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