“Mommy, I don’t feel good.” Those words strike fear into the heart of every parent on Earth. Not only does it make you instantly feel bad for that little pitiful face staring up at you, but you also have the immediate panic of shifting around your day. Just this last week, my toddler had a serious case of congestion and cough waking him up during the night. My little guy loves his sleep, so he was not a happy camper come morning and was having none of that, “get ready for daycare” stuff I was trying to pull. I knew it was bad when he refused breakfast, he adores sleep, but he loves Cheerios more.
As I made the necessary calls and my husband and I divided up responsibilities, I hit up my best friend and ally Google for a few tips for sick 3-year-old care. Here are five of the best recommendations I found for the sick day blues.
New Location
Let them take over your bed. Depending on the type of illness, they only pose a moderate threat to you, so let them have Mommy and Daddy’s bed. They will feel super special to be in the big bed and you have more room for their supplies and activities. If the weather is nice, have lunchtime al fresco. The fresh air would be good for them, just don’t get too active.
Food Fun
Let them help you prepare whatever is on the menu. Since they will be eating it, there is no danger of contamination. And it once again gets them in a different environment. Sick kids are notorious for their small appetite, but they are more likely to want to eat if they were the one who made it. Mind tricks!
Special Entertainment
Arts and crafts are the best during down time. They push your child’s creativity and keep their attention for longer spans. Another fun alternative to just sitting them in front of the television, is video chat. Let their grandparents or other close family and friends know they are sick and ask if they can call in with a get well soon message.
Bucket of Supplies
Keep a bucket of cleaning supplies (antibacterial wipes, towels, etc.) and a bucket of sick day stuff (tissue, medicine, etc.) with you at all times. Let your child decorate the buckets with stickers in the morning, then fill them with the necessary supplies for easy transport throughout the day.
Unplug Yourself
No amount of sick day hacks or activities can do for your child what you unplugging from technology can do. If you are staying home, and have the ability to do so, turn off your phone notifications and close the laptop. All your child really wants is you, so give them exactly what they need to feel better. When you finally get them down for a nap – of the Nyquil kicks in – surf to your heart’s content.
BMWK, how to you work with your children when they are at home all day?