Arthritis Mom

I am staying with my sister on this trip home. Today she was at work and my husband had to go work for a couple days himself, so it was me and 8 children. It was scary but we did survive using these simple arthritis mom survival tips:

> Get up early and shower quick (you won't get another opportunity)

> Do NOT forget to take your medication (you will need it more than ever today)

> Make sure you have plenty of cereal, milk, bread, lunch meat and ice cream (the ice cream is for you)

> Get some exercise (ie. chasing babies from room to room, sprinting to the bathroom when you have a free second, getting up and down from the floor 10 dozen times)

> Have younger children take naps (consider taking one yourself)

> Take advantage of any voluntary helpfulness from older children (even if you must insist)

> Call in reinforcements (aka loving grandparents).

By following these few easy tips your rheumatoid arthritis should not hinder your ability to manage all the kids and keep your sanity. If something goes wrong, review the list. Most importantly, check that you took your medication, stop and take a few minutes to exercise or plan a bonus naptime for the younger kids and yourself. If all else fails, well that is what the ice cream is for.