While watching a re-run of Law and Order today (as filtered through my TV Guardian), as the kids were napping, Briscoe and Curtis interviewed a woman who had clearly met the end of her rope. She was less than helpful and obviously frazzled. As the detectives were leaving, she said, "Look, I've been with three sick kids with the flu all week." Rey said, "I know how you feel." She replied, "No you don't! You get to go leave for work!" Well, here at Casa Stro, it's been a bit like that!

Two of my three have had a bad cold, and I've teetered on the edge of it. While not actually getting it, I've felt my chest go tight (as I have asthma, and anything respiratory will hit me there first!).

Suffice it to say, after several days, nerves were frayed, people were alternately cranky or wound up and a rousing case of "stir crazy-itis" made the rounds!

After the billionth time of trying to get the kids to concentrate on homeschool today, I realize I had just about reached my limit, and felt very much like the lady in Law & Order!

When the kids are sick and everyone is miserable about being cooped up, here are a few tips to manage the insanity:

Controlled Chaos: Oxymoron? Not really, if you have a method to your madness. Allow the kids to be wild and crazy for a predefined and very short burst of time. They can be loud and wild for five minutes. Make sure furniture, etc. is out of the way, and let 'em rip!

Mandatory Quiet Time: My kids get sleepy, cranky, and will this illness, glassy-eyed, but will refuse to admit they need a nap! So, enter Mandatory Quiet Time. The rules state it is to be absolutely quiet, thus the kids usually drift off and give their bodies the rest they so obviously need! They wake refreshed, and their moods are vastly improved! (Rumor has it this works for cranky mommies as well!)

Work it off: I did some "therapeutic knitting" today and it worked wonders! Not only did I finish a project for me (this is pretty much the first thing I've made for myself in years!), but knitting always relaxes me!

"This, too, Shall pass": Remember that days won't always be like this. Things will go back to normal. And, honestly, you won't have your kids forever...someday, you might even miss the chaos. I can't imagine that on a day like today, but I know the day will come when I will!

Pray!: James tells us to ask for wisdom and that God grants it liberally!

Photo credit: Stock Xchng