From The Frontline Thursday with Gabrielle Morel: How to Entertain Children When a Parent is Sick

When a parent gets sick it is extremely important that we take the time to rest but that can be hard when you have a child(ren) to take care of. All too often we spend the day dragging ourselves around the house to tend to the kids, clean up after them, when we really should be resting and drinking lots of fluids. Taking at least one day to rest will make a difference in how fast you get better. The sooner you rest and take care of yourself, the sooner you will be back to your healthy self.

Enlist help: Ask a friend or family member over to help you out with the children for a few hours so you can get some rest. If you’re like me and you do not have much family close by then I have some other ideas to help keep your children entertained while you get some rest.

Infants
Heartbeat music: Playing heartbeat music for my young babies has been a lifesaver. I put this music on for them right before its time for their nap, and within 5 minutes they are sleeping like angels! Heartbeat music has also been great when they have been especially cranky and nothing else can calm them. Play some soothing music for your baby(ies) and before you know it they’ll be relaxed which gives you time to relax as well.

Infant swing: This is another way to soothe a baby and/or keep them occupied for a few minutes while you catch some much needed rest. Lots of infant swings even come with music, toys, and mobiles to entertain your baby while they’re still awake.

Childcare: If you’re extremely sick and you have access to childcare put your child in daycare or with a babysitter/friend for a few hours. This way you get a break to lay down in bed and be sick without having to worry about passing any germs onto your baby. Best of all, the baby still gets lots of attention throughout the day, so you don’t have to feel guilty about resting. You won’t be completely healthy by the time you pick up your baby but you will feel relieved that you were able to get some uninterrupted rest—even if it is only for a few hours.

Toddlers/Preschoolers
Playdough: My girls love playing with playdough. They will stay there for at least 15 to 20 minutes playing with their playdough before they get bored of it. The great thing about playdough is it isn’t too hard to clean up. If it gets on the carpet, you let it harden and you can vacuum it right up. I’ve also never had an issue with it sticking to my table.

Crayola’s “Color wonder Disney Coloring books & Markers”: I love these and my girls love these! My daughters love crayons and markers and like any other toddler they will color anything in sight. Thankfully with color wonder books I can rest on the couch and drink my tea without worrying about them sneaking off to color on my walls.

Movies and Snacks: Now if you’re sick you probably won’t be in the mood for popcorn/snacks, but kids are almost always in the mood for snacks. Pick snacks your kids don’t eat daily so they’ll be excited about the idea. My girls do not get popcorn very often so I choose to make a bag of popcorn and put on their favorite cartoon movie. I lay down on the couch with a blanket and we all watch the movie together. It keeps them happy and I get to rest for about two hours. (If you’re not contagious)

Read a book together: If your child enjoys being read to you can ask them to join you on the couch and snuggle under a blanket while you read a book to them. (If you’re not contagious)

Have a tea party: If you have a daughter you can pitch the idea of a tea party to her. Have her little table and chairs next to you on the couch, and while she drinks imaginary tea with her dolls and teddy bears, you can drink the real thing. 🙂

Work on a puzzle together: Puzzles are a great way to exercise your brain; they’re challenging and fun. The best thing of all, puzzles require concentration, this is a great way to keep your child calm and entertained. After you finish the puzzle you can glue the finished result, to some cardboard or the backing of a picture frame.