Mama Needs a Sick Day

I wake up feeling blah, ready to pull the covers back over my head. A little head peeks underneath my blanket, inquiring, “Can I have brak-fast?” His dad is in the shower getting ready for school and, unless I literally can’t get out of bed, he doesn’t have a sick day either.

I resist groaning as I slide out of bed, my feet hitting the cold floor. The day begins just like every other – breakfast, backpacks, school runs, playing cars on the floor – and I fantasize about the sick days of my past.

I wake up with a bug of some kind, my stomach aching or my throat sore. I check my work calendar to make sure there’s nothing that can’t be missed for today. I pick up the phone, call in sick, and then spend the day in my pajamas, lounging in bed, watching mindless tv, or reading a book. I rest, recuperate, and worry about no one else.


Reality returns. This is is the day my toddler is uncharacteristically clingy and refuses to nap. School is over before I know it and, just when I think I have the big kids settled so I can cat nap, someone has a question or an elbow gets thrown. I glance at the clock, counting the hours until bedtime, and think, Mama needs a sick day.

It’s challenging to be a parent and need a sick day, whether it’s to recover from an illness or to recharge emotionally or mentally. And, when the weekend comes and claiming a sick day seems most plausible, the guilt for leaving things to our significant other often sets in. Plus, let’s face it, resting is often relative when your kids constantly come in and out of your room.

I woke up on Saturday longing for a sick day, but it simply didn’t work out. When Sunday rolled around, I shrugged off my guilt, looked at the busy week ahead, and called it a sick day. I stayed in bed, kept on my pjs, and slept. My husband took care of the morning routine and brought the kids solo to church – meaning three glorious hours of peace and quiet for me.

Then I did something strange. When they arrived home, I stayed in bed. I didn’t rush downstairs out of guilt for taking a sick day or to take my turn with the kids. I heard my husband take on lunch, then direct the afternoon’s activities. I never once doubted that he could or would – he is a capable, involved father. But I rarely feel okay just taking care of myself, especially not for a day.

And you know what? It felt amazing. I felt refreshed, rested, ready to face the week ahead. I took time for me and the world went on.

Whether you’re mom or dad, whatever your work situation, it can often feel like a sick day isn’t in the cards once you’re a parent. But sometimes its okay to give yourself permission to take a sick day, to rest recoup, and recharge. Sometimes it’s okay to just take a few moments and focus on you.