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Sick Day Survival Guide
This is the scenario your child has
been sick for two days and now the third day they are not quite up to
going out or returning to school but are well enough to drive you
crazy. You must put on your creativity hat and find some
time-consuming projects that will keep them busy. The most
important part of this is to be prepared because you never know when
your child could get sick. Here are some interesting things to do
with your child to keep them busy when they are home sick but remember
to make sure it is age appropriate for your child.
Create a Sick
Day Fun Box. Start with a Tupperware carton
with a lid. Decorate it with colorful letters to say Sick Day Fun
Box. It is important that this box does not ever come out unless
you have someone at home sick. Remember it is important to
include items that are AGE appropriate for your child.
Listed below are some ideas that may interest you.
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Different types
of paper (white, construction, card stock, foam)
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Writing tools (
crayons, colored pencils, markers)
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Crayola hardening
clay,
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Old magazines,
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A variety of
colors of Felt or scrapes of material
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Ribbon
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Scissors and a
glue stick,
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Deck of cards
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Legos or blocks
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Barbie dolls and
clothes
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Stickers
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Journal
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Craft items (pom
poms, pipe cleaners, squggly eyes)
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Puzzles
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Whatever else you
can find around the house.
You may want to also
include a pair of fancy footwear -- "Sick Socks", and a decorated
cup and plate-- "Get Better Cup and Plate".
Also include a list
of project ideas: Make a puppet, draw a picture, do a
puzzle, make a collage, build a house, write a story about the day I was
home sick...., Make a clay flower, Dress Barbie for a picnic etc...
In addition, you may
want to include coupons for such things as a popsicle, Mom to do a
project with me, Dad to read me a story, or watch my favorite show
on TV.
Indoor Camping.
Create a tent out of blankets and furniture or a
large box. Help your child to select items to take on their
camping trip. This should include favorite toys, a blanket and
pillow, flashlight and of course camping food. You will find that
this will keep them amused for hours.
Post Office Fun.
Fill a box with unopened junk mail, a map and a
manila folder addressed to each person of the family. On a sick
day pull it out and have your child play mail man. The first thing
that they have to do is to sort the mail by state. Once that is
complete have them find the state on the map and write the number of
pieces of mail that came from that state. This can be used a
comparison for the next time they are sick. You can then have them
open the letter, draw a picture or write a note on it and then put it in
the envelope for a family member. They can then deliver it to a
designated spot.
Foil Fun.
Give your child a variety of sizes of aluminum foil and
some cardboard in different shapes and sizes. Note older children
who will not hurt themselves on the sharp-edge of the box can be given
the entire roll of aluminum foil. Take the time to give some quick
instructions on how to be creative with the foil and cardboard.
Include a list of fun things to make: canon balls, swords, crowns,
shields, necklaces, bracelets etc... You will find that this will keep
them busy for quite a while.
Photo Fun. Always
keep on hand some empty photo albums, stickers, and markers. Give
you child the opportunity to organize those pictures that have been
laying in the draw or a box forever. You will be amazed at the job
that they will do.
Chef for a Day. Kids love to help
Mom or Dad cook. So why not use it to help keep them busy on a
sick day. First start out by having them help you to decide on the
dinner menu. Once you have established what you are going to have
give them some paper and colored pencils and have them create a menu.
Next, have them make a dessert. Later have them help to
prepare the food and have them set the table. You may want to pull
out the fancy tablecloth and candles to make it a special dinner.
Beach Party.
Pull out the sunglasses, hats and beach towels. Have them decorate
sea shells with paint and glitter. Set out the beach towels and
read a book, have a picnic lunch and play a board game.
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