Q: What is your recommendation for mothers who have many small children, but who may be sick with a bad flu bug, or something else that requires many days of bedrest? With spouses traveling today, and extended families often living far apart, how do you deal with the logistics of keeping the house under control if help is not readily available. (Assume sisters in the ward are not able to lend a hand due to geography, or widespread illness.)

Daryl: Thank you for your question. It has no easy answer. In fact, I was stumped, so I contacted my daughters who have young children for their suggestions.

Each one feels that the situation you described would be a terribly difficult, even frightening one. Each empathized with such challenging circumstances. They all agreed that the children are really the only concern; if the house "falls apart" it can be put back together another day. But the children need protection and care at all cost, even if mother has to crawl on hands on knees to help them.

The following is from one daughter:

"When I hear about a flu bug or some other virus making the rounds of school, ward, or neighborhood, I 'prepare for the worst and hope for the best.' I stock up on ginger ale, Gatorade, and simple foods that even very young children can somewhat prepare. Family members can survive a few days on cold cereal, toast & jam, presliced cheese & bread, juice boxes, and other easy-to-fix meals. After I had [my last child] and was sick for a few months, the moments when I felt better were used to do only 3 things: the laundry, the kitchen, and the bathroom. I tried to make sure that everyone could be dressed, fed, and that the bathrooms were kept clean. Everything else was an extra and could wait until I was on my feet again. When I was sick, I stayed in bed and took care of the baby. My 3-year-old was able to 'fend for himself.' In fact, I think those few months were when he started to
develop a lot of independence and self-reliance. When Mom's sick, even young children can fold socks, play 'nurse,' bring Mom drinks, entertain the baby, and learn to find things without Mom's help. They're also capable of inserting videos and DVDs to keep themselves entertained and safe."

I hope such a situation never actually takes place. If so, you'll just have to pray and have faith that the Lord will provide.

Blessings to you.