You’ve all seen the commercial, right?  The one where the man in the suit with a red, drippy nose is talking to someone you can’t see and saying, “I’m sorry Billy, I’m just feeling terrible.  I’m going to need to take a sick day.” And then the camera pans to the other side of the room where you see a crib and a baby boy of about 14 months jumping up and down.

There are no sick days as a parent, right?!  You may have to sit a little more often during the day or even lie down on the couch for 5 minute stretches at a time, if possible.  But you are still on.  Babies need to changed, fed, taken to school, cuddled, disciplined, etc.  And the house still has to operate smoothly, and not appear like a bomb went off when your hubby walks through the door.

But, here’s a list of a few things that may make the day more bearable…

• a large sweater
• a mug of hot tea
• a good book
• soft socks
• a box of chocolate