MAMA BEAR TO THE RESCUE

Written earlier this week

There is nothing worse than having sick kids. As a mom, you want to take their illness away, even if it means you would be twice as sick, anything to make them feel better. And I can tell you, having sick kids while they're at their other parents is the worst.

This past week we’ve all had Covid. Mike took the brunt of it, but my girls and I have been managing it as well. We’re all on the mend, not to worry.

During this time, my girls went between our house and their dad’s. Their dad had Covid as well. I struggled with the decision to let them go. They wanted to go, but as a mama bear, I want to BE there. I want to guide my kids through every step of their illness. I want to help them blow their noses if they need it!!!!

Now, this is when my rational brain steps in and says there’s no reason why their dad can’t nurture them, BUT IT’S NOT THE SAME.

I am grateful for the parenting relationship I have built with their dad. Yesterday I was able to go to his house and give my current sick one a little love. Also, copious amounts of supplements, but my career is in the natural health field so that’s typical around here.

It’s times like these that I truly appreciate the co-parenting relationship I have now. I know if I need to see my kids, I can. There’s an open door at their dad’s and vice versa at our house. There was a time in the past when I wouldn’t be privy to a cold. Their dad wouldn’t share that information. I would learn of it when the kids were back at my house. This drove me nuts. But in fairness, I didn’t tell him when the kids were sick while in my care. I used to think, “what was he going to do?” Now I think, ”I’m sure he would want to know.”

Happily, my girls are coming back tonight. They will be under my roof soon enough. I know they get irritated with my constant doting when they are with me, but it’s done out of love. I’m sure when they’ve moved and, they are sick, I will try to manage their illness from afar. Isn’t that what mothers are supposed to do?

Are you like me? Do you struggle with letting go while your kids are with their other parents? Not all the time, but in particular when they are sick?

Shannon, The Herdmother