Here are a few tips to make sick days more liveable for your little ones.
The Basics
- Medicine - Make it a point to find long lasting medicine that is pallatable. Believe it or not cough drops come in lollipop form these days. Quick dissolving strips of medicine (like those used for breath mints) are great, especially for kids who have an avversion to medicine in the first place.
- House Rules - Bend the rules a little bit on sick days, whether it means watching a few more cartoons, eating a snack in the living room, or bringing the dog up on the sofa for cuddles, you need to find a special way to make sick days a little bit more fun.
- The Bedroom - If your child is going to end up spending more time in bed today, make the bedroom more comforting. Bring out the favorite sheets, put some more stuffed animals on the bed, and turn on some relaxing music. The bedroom is always a lot more fun if a parent stays to play quietly.
Your Sanity
- Accept Favors - Many of us have the instinct to say "no" immediately when offered help. On sick days, you want all the help you can get. It might not be over as quickly as you think. You can return the favor when the neighbors get sick, or pay it forward if someone else gets the bug before your family. Offer dinner, a trip to the grocery store, or maybe just to watch the kids for a little while while Mommy gets to soak in the tub.
- Care for Yourself - If the kids are sick, Mom and Dad might not be that far behind. Take vitamins, wash your hands more than you think you need to, and eat healthy.
- Give In - You are going to hear a lot of requests from your children, but the thing they want most when they are sick is Mommy. Take the time to cuddle and give as many hugs as you can. You may be surprised how much the requests slow down when the need for attention is satisfied
Quiet Fun
Sick time doesn't have to be "no-fun" time. Try a few new games that will keep the little one's quiet, occupied, and happy.- Junk Mail - You may not enjoy it, but to a toddler, a pile of junk mail is a gold mine of fun. Opening envelopes, playing with the stickers, and reviewing all the pretty pictures can occupy a good deal of time and focus while pulling their mind off of the illness. A pile of paper is pretty easy to clean up as well.
- Flash Light Shows - A sick day is a great day to introduce shadow puppets. Flash light fun keeps the little ones stationary and mentally stimulated.
- Simon Says - Young toddlers might not be able to grasp the game of Simon Says just yet, but they can sure have fun with "Tell Mommy What to Do!" - Provide a a few commands to get started like "Do the hokey pokey", "Touch your nose", "spin in a circle", and then let their imaginations take over.
- Memory - Matching cards can be difficult for toddlers, but family photos on the other hand make for a good deal of fun. Turn a few pictures over, then see if they can find Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, and Dad.
Go Outside
Sick Days do not necessarily mean that you have to stay inside. Inside air gets stale and can perpetuate illnesses. Take the kids outdoors for a walk to get them refreshed and exposed. A bit of fresh air and sun helps Mom get through the day as well.Talk About Getting Through the Sick Days
