The Single Mom’s Survival Guide to Sick Kids: Tips for Staying Sane and Keeping Up

Published in Mom Hacks & Life Tips on Feb 12, 2025

If you’re a single mom, you already know that there are no sick days for us. When one of the kids gets sick, it’s like the whole house goes into survival mode. And let’s be honest—kids always seem to get sick at the worst possible times. Big work deadline? Sick kid. Important homeschool lesson planned? Fever hits. Need groceries? Now they’re contagious.

Sick Kid

So how do you handle it all without losing your sanity? Here are my best tips for managing sick days while keeping the household running.

1. Create a Sick-Day Station

Before flu season rolls in, prep a sick-day station with all the essentials:

  • Thermometer
  • Medicine (age-appropriate fever reducers, cough syrup, etc.)
  • Tissues, wipes, and hand sanitizer
  • Popsicles, electrolyte drinks, and easy-to-digest snacks
  • Trash bags for used tissues
  • Cozy blankets and a heating pad

Having everything in one spot saves time when you’re in the middle of a puke emergency at 2 AM.

2. Lower Your Expectations

Sick days are NOT the time to expect productivity. The house will get messy, schoolwork might not happen, and work emails may pile up. That’s okay. Give yourself permission to do the bare minimum. Prioritize cuddles, fluids, and rest—everything else can wait.

3. Use the Power of TV (Guilt-Free!)

This is NOT the day to limit screen time. Find a favorite series, pop in a comfort movie, and let them rest while watching something soothing. Bonus: If you’re working from home, this buys you some uninterrupted time to get things done.

4. Prep Easy Meals & Snacks

Sick kids don’t have much of an appetite, and neither will you if you’re running around playing nurse. Stick to easy, comforting foods like:

  • Crackers and toast
  • Applesauce and bananas
  • Chicken broth or noodle soup
  • Popsicles (hydration + treat = win)

If you don’t have anything on hand, a grocery delivery service can be a lifesaver.

5. Work Smarter, Not Harder

If you’re working from home, let your boss or clients know early that you’ll be balancing a sick kiddo. If possible, shift your schedule to work during naps, TV time, or even early morning/late at night. And if work just isn’t happening? Give yourself grace.

6. Prevent the Next Illness

Once the worst has passed, do a deep clean to keep the rest of the house from catching the bug. Wash bedding, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and remind your kids (again!) about handwashing.

7. Take Care of YOU

The hardest part of single parenting through sickness is that there’s no backup. Drink water, eat, rest when you can, and do small things to keep yourself going. If you get sick too, everything gets twice as hard—so take care of yourself just as much as you do them.

Final Thoughts

Sick days can be overwhelming, but they’re also an opportunity to slow down and just be there for your child. Cuddles, extra hugs, and being their comfort during an icky day? That’s the part they’ll remember. And when they finally feel better, celebrate with a little treat for both of you—because you survived another round of the sick kid circus.