Flu Season, Parenting, and the Power of Healthy Sleep Habits
Lacy Hess • September 16, 2025
Parenting Through Flu Season: Why Your Child’s Sleep Routine Matters
Flu season is here, and it seems like everyone you know is coming down with something. As parents, we know that when illness hits, it doesn’t exactly come at a convenient time. Parenting doesn’t stop when we’re under the weather. Kids still need to be fed, dropped off at school, and tucked into bed at night. Unfortunately, the luxury of extra rest isn’t always possible
when you have little ones depending on you.
The reality is that certain parts of the day simply require us to be present for our kids, no matter how we feel. In my own home, there are mornings when I have to get my kids to school, and some evenings I’m the one responsible for dinner and bedtime. But I also know that once the kids are in bed, that’s my chance to slow down, rest, and give my body the time it needs to recover.
The truth is, every family is different. Some parents have plenty of resources to rely on when illness strikes, such as family, friends, or childcare options who can step in and help. Others have minimal support and have to get creative to make things work when they aren’t feeling well.
But here’s something many parents don’t realize:
when bedtime stretches on forever, overnight wake-ups disrupt your sleep, and early mornings leave you running on empty day after day, it doesn’t just wear you out mentally. It can actually impact your immune system, leading to more frequent illnesses and a slower recovery
when you do get sick.
That’s where healthy, independent sleep habits for your little one can make all the difference. When your baby or toddler is able to fall asleep and stay asleep on their own, it gives you the chance to get predictable, reliable rest at night
and for naps if you’re home with them during the day. Not only does this help you recover faster when you’re sick, but it also ensures your child gets the quality sleep they need to stay healthy, too.
Flu season is the perfect time to focus on creating a consistent sleep routine for your little one. Better sleep for them means better rest for you, helping everyone stay healthier
and handle the challenges of parenting when illness inevitably strikes.
Not sure where to start? Book your free 30-minute consultation today, and let’s talk about how I can help bring sleep back to your home!
Lacy's Lullabies - Pediatric Sleep Consultant
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