Shine On10 creative ways to entertain kids when you’re feeling under the weather
It's no mystery that parenting has its share of ups and downs, but if there's one time when the 'downs' are felt more strongly, it's when parents are sick with a cold or flu.
Keeping the little ones entertained and happy (read: not crying) is key when you're sick, both for your own sanity and theirs. But it's not easy to conduct teddy bear tea parties or elaborate craft times when you're nursing a stuffy nose and aching muscles.
Consider this an opportunity to get your kids' creative juices flowing by encouraging them to use their imaginations with a little guidance from you.
Also see: The worst thing to do when you're sick? Blow your nose
And remember, in a few days your routine will be back to normal, so don't put too much pressure on yourself to do everything perfectly!
Here are a few of our favourite ideas for keeping kids entertained when you're sick, according to BabyCenter.com.
Old man game
Pretend that you are an old person who can't move, but you have a really important story to tell. The only way you can remember it is by seeing objects that remind you of the event. Get your kids to fetch the objects from around the house and bring them to you -- then you create a story based on the items. Depending on your storytelling skills, this game could go on for some time!
Dance show with commentary
Whether you have one kid or multiple kids, you can get them to put on a dance show with you acting as the judge. They get dressed up in costumes, parade around and all you have to do is provide smart commentary and give scores.
Also see: Mom-approved home remedies for kids' colds and flu
Fetch for crawling babies
This is a good one for a child that's still in the crawling phase: throw their favourite toy and have them crawl back to you with it. Simple as that!
Write a letter to a family member
If you can get them interested, writing a long letter to grandma is a great way to keep them quiet and engaged for a period of time.
Special delivery game
Get your child to pretend they have a special package to deliver to you. They find a household object, wrap it up in newspaper or paper bags, put your name on it and then knock on your bedroom door for delivery. You fawn over the gift and then they go back for another one!
Also see: Nature's most powerful flu-fighter
Quiet game
The first kid to break the silence or talk above a whisper loses and whoever wins get a prize. It's the oldest trick in the book!
Pretend 'salon' day
Get your kids to paint your toes, brush your hair, put on your makeup and massage your back. Win-win for everyone!
Let them do something normally off-limits
Allowing your kids to play a game they are normally not allowed to, like drawing with chalk on the sidewalk, can keep them entertained for much longer than normal. Because they know they won't be allowed to play it again anytime soon, they will milk the experience for all it's worth. Just be sure you're able to stay within watch of them at all times.
Also see: Best and worst foods to eat when you're sick
Queen or King game
Pretend you are a king or queen and must be waited on hand and foot. The kids must fetch your food and bring you anything you desire. Tip: If you request objects that are hard to find, they could spend ages looking for it.
Beat-boxing for babies
It's amazing how long percussive sounds with your mouth will keep infants entertained!
What are your top tricks for keeping kids busy while you're sick? Tell us in the comments below!
