12/02/2024
Why is it that moms feel guilty for being sick? Like, guilt-guilty. Not just “oops, I ate the last cookie” guilt—but the heavy, soul-crushing kind KNOWING that I have 3 emails sitting in my inbox to respond to, an event contract and invoice to go out (that has been on my task list for far too long sorry .by.hands), I have a full week of social media posts to plan and reels to edit for 2 clients, my new appliances get delivered today, a zoom call to get on at 1:30 and I’m sure I’m missing something else.. FUUUCK
Meanwhile, we’ve all seen the memes about the man flu. Dads bundled in blankets, sipping soup, bingeing Netflix, and we laugh it off like it’s completely normal. And sure, dads work hard—mine is the most amazing husband and father. But why is it that when dads are sick, they get permission to tap out for the day, while moms are celebrated for pushing through like warriors? Why do we make that so normal? Honestly, it’s not fair—to moms or dads.
Here’s a wild fact: studies show that moms carry 60-70% of the mental load in most households. That’s the invisible checklist of everything—doctor’s appointments, school projects, remembering where the favorite toy was last seen (under the couch, btw). So when moms are sick, the guilt kicks in because the world we built feels like it might crumble without us.
But here’s the plot twist: if we don’t stop and rest, the world will crumble—ours. No one wins when mom’s running on fumes.
So I’ve been learning to do the unthinkable. To rest. To ask for help. To let things slide. And, yes, to remind my family that moms get sick too, and when we do, it’s not an invitation to play survival mode—it’s a chance to show the kids what grace, self-care, and delegation look like.
But hey, if you need me, I’ll be here, battling this stomach bug (or bad ceviche 🥴) like a warrior … from the comfort of my couch. And maybe ordering takeout, because today, I’m off duty (partially, s**t still has to get done lol).
What about you? How do you handle being sick when the guilt comes knocking? And let’s be honest—why do we keep normalizing this? Boss babe mamas let’s talk about it in the comments.