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A Week That Tested My Nervous System (and My Heart)

  • Writer: glutenfreemomofthr
    glutenfreemomofthr
  • Dec 13, 2025
  • 4 min read

This has been one of those parenting weeks.


You know the ones — where the kids seem to bring home a new virus every other day, and as a family of five with three kids under six, it takes weeks to fully get through just one illness. Somehow, my middle child has managed to stay healthy (a mystery I still haven’t solved), while the rest of us have been cycling through exhaustion, fevers, and all the things no parent ever really gets used to.


Last Friday evening, my oldest son (he’s six) went to a birthday party. When he came home, he mentioned his tummy was hurting. We chalked it up to party food — candy, cake, the fun stuff. We don’t really restrict “sometimes foods” at parties or celebrations, because honestly, we don’t as adults either. We’re really intentional about helping our kids build a healthy relationship with all foods.


The next day, he was tired… but not sick yet.Yet being the key word here.

That evening, I had a girls’ night planned in Toronto. Right before I left, my son spiked a fever of 38.9. I still went — but if you’re a parent, you know that lingering feeling of what am I going to walk into when I get home? It hovered over me all night.


By the next day, the vomiting and diarrhea had started.


I never found illness anxiety-provoking before having children, but I definitely do now. I think it’s a mix of worrying about my kids, the constant demands of parenting, and the over stimulation that comes with being needed all day long. It feels like my nervous system quietly waving a flag saying, “Hey… this is a bit much.”

And yet — as moms often do — we keep going.


When Creativity Becomes Survival


This week tested both my stress levels and my creativity.


I pulled out every trick I had:reading, drawing, crafting, homemade ornaments, painting, baking, kinetic sand, clay molding… the list goes on. I also have busy bins set up for each child — simple activities they can grab and do with minimal adult support — and those were in constant rotation.


By Wednesday, my brain was already screaming for a break.


On top of that, it’s almost Christmas. So I was also organizing kids’ gifts, my husband’s gifts, teacher gifts, and extended family gifts — all while managing sick kids at home. Sometimes I stop and think about everything that gets done in a single day and honestly say, How is it even possible to fit all of this into one day?


Today is Saturday. My husband is working most of the day, and I’m home with the kids again. We had to cancel plans this evening because — surprise — I’m now not feeling great, and my son still has a horrendous cough and ongoing stomach issues.

So… another day at home it is.


Honesty Without Negativity


I don’t share this to be negative. I share it to be honest.


There are really hard sides to being a parent — especially when you’re the primary caregiver to young children. I sometimes look back at my newly postpartum self and wish someone had been really honest with me about what motherhood looks like. About how much your brain has to multitask. How often your own needs come last. How constant the mental load truly is.


I don’t resent this.I accept it.


I chose to have three children relatively close in age. I knew my husband would be working a lot (maybe not this much), and I knew I’d be taking the lead in most situations. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s easy.


It’s a lot of change. A lot to learn. And dealing with illness on top of everyday motherhood adds another layer that can feel overwhelming.


Micro Moments Matter


What I am learning is the importance of micro moments — tiny resets for my nervous system throughout the day.


For me, that looks like putting on headphones and listening to bilateral beats or an audiobook to reduce overstimulation. It looks like stepping outside for a few deep breaths. It looks like reminding myself that I don’t need to do everything perfectly — just safely, lovingly, and with enough energy to get through the day.


I’m also learning to lean on my support network more. Calling family. Talking honestly with friends about how I’m feeling. I used to feel guilty doing this — like I was complaining or burdening others — but I’m realizing how important it is.


And honestly? You’d be surprised how much support comes back when you allow yourself to ask.


I am so incredibly thankful for my girlfriends.


To the Parent Reading This


If you’re in a season like this — sick kids, over stimulation, exhaustion — you’re not failing. You’re parenting through something hard.


Take the micro moments.


Reset your nervous system when you can.


Put the headphones on.


Send the text.


Make the call.


You’re allowed to need support too 🤍


I just caught my son coloring on his stomach with magic marker. Breathe in and out....


 
 
 

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