Sick Kids

Hey y'all. I had every intention of posting earlier this morning… but we've been sick this week - just the low-grade fever, tired, crankies with runny noses - and it all went from frustrating to worse at 7:28 this morning. Our youngest threw up at the breakfast table. So, in the midst of finding a ride to school for the oldest, cleaning, caring for a sad little one, canceling all our day's plans… the blog was forgotten.

And since my mind is on entertaining sick children:

9 At-home Activities for Sick Kids

by Molly Cerreta Smith

from SheKnowsParenting

9. STEAMY SWIRLS

If your child has a cough or congested chest, sometimes a steamy shower will make her feel better. Instead of actually putting her in the shower, let her stay in the bathroom (with the door closed to keep the steam in) and draw on the mirrors. Sure, you'll have to grab some glass cleaner and paper towels to clean the streaks off afterward, but it's a great non-TV activity that will help her feel better, too.

8. COLOR ME WELL

Pick up some new crayons or markers and a coloring or activity book for your homebound little one. Keep a few packs on hand during cold and flu season so you're always prepared! This is a perfect activity for sick children because they can do this lying down in bed without exerting too much precious energy. If he's missing a fun activity at school that day -- like a field trip or special guest -- have him draw a picture of the activity. This can help him feel included even if he's not able to attend.

7. CRAFTY KIDS

If your sick kid is up to the task, have her help you put together an art box. Find any cardboard box around the house and have her decorate it with glitter, stickers and markers or crayons. Fill the box with colored felt and other fabrics of varying colors and textures, along with pipe cleaners, beads, sequins and glue. Encourage her to create an abstract picture based on how she's feeling.

6. NOT-BORED GAMES

Play a game with your child that uses more mental than physical energy, such as Memory, Scrabble, Tic-Tac-Toe or Hangman. Another idea: Print some word find games from the SheKnows Kids' Activity Center.

5. GIVE HIM AN EARFUL

Books may get tossed to the side in favor of other, more physical activities on a daily basis, but when your child is sick, a little quiet is just the thing. Serve some chicken noodle soup in a mug, cuddle up with a cozy blanket and get lost in a good story.

4. BUSY BLING

Your child can make a necklace or bracelet to pass the time while she's recuperating. Set up a TV tray in her bed and supply her with some pretty beads and thin elastic thread. Tie one bead at the end of the thread, then let her string other beads onto the elastic in a pattern. Tie the two ends of the elastic and trim off the excess.

3. PUPPET SHOW

Pull out some old socks, random buttons that have fallen off shirts, plus some fabric scraps and fabric glue — and let your child's creativity run wild. Once you have finished making your sock puppets, put on a little puppet show with your child.

2. DRAW YOURSELF

Have your child lie down on a long piece of butcher paper and trace his outline with a black magic marker. Then let him decorate his likeness however he chooses.

1. FOR THE BIRDS

Clean out a milk carton, glue the top closed and help your child build a birdhouse. Cut a dowel twice the length of the milk carton, and then cut a hole just large enough for the dowel to fit through on either side of the carton at the same level. Slide the dowel through and apply glue where the wood meets the carton. Cut a few other holes in the carton large enough for the birds to get through. Poke two holes in the top of the carton; thread a string through it, then tie it. Fill the feeder with birdseed and hang it from a branch outside.

I know many in our area are sick this week. Get well quickly, stay warm and good luck entertaining the masses!