by Tammy Cramblett

Created on: February 12, 2013   Last Updated: February 18, 2013

No parent wants their child to get sick or feel bad in any way, but unfortunately it happens from time to time. When the "yucky" bug strikes, it is a good idea to have activities your child can do to fight off boredom while they are recuperating. 

Puzzles

Age appropriate jigsaw puzzles can be a lot of fun and give children something other than feeling bad to focus on. Set up a table or tray big enough to hold the completed puzzle, so the child can easily reach it. Make sure to have a few different puzzles for variety and you might want to sit down with your child and help them put the puzzles together. 

Books

Gather up several age-appropriate books that are at the child's current reading level. For very small children, find a number of picture books for them to look at and discuss with you. You can take turns reading the stories to each other. 

Coloring/activity books

There is nothing better than cracking open a fresh box of crayons and coloring in a brand new coloring book! Have several coloring and activity books stashed around the house while your child is sick, this way, no matter where your child is resting, he will have something fun to do.

Limited television

Some television is fine for your sick child, but remember to limit it. Children tend to fight sleep in order to watch a show they like or to finish playing a video game. 

Photos

Whether the photos are in your phone, digital camera, laptop or in a photo album, get them out and look through them with your child. He might enjoy seeing pictures of himself and other people he knows. This can even be comforting while a child is under the weather.

Story time

Sit down with your child and tell him stories. They can be made up fairy tales or stories of your own childhood adventures. You can use this story telling time as a fun and interesting bonding time with your child. You can even encourage your child to make up his own stories to tell you!

Small toys

Things like stuffed animals, dolls, cars/trucks and other toys that use imagination to play with are good for sick children. Have your child take care of a "sick" doll or stuffed animal, for example. These types of toys encourage a child to use his imagination and can offer a few hours of quiet playtime. 

Everyone can agree that it is no fun when the kiddos are sick. Another thing most parents can agree on is that when kids are sick, they can get a little grouchy from boredom. To beat the sick day boredom, it pays to come up with different activities for kids to do. You and your child can share playtime together with puzzles, coloring books and story time. One very important thing to remember is not to expect your child to rest in the same spot all day long. Set up a few different comfortable places, like their bed, the sofa and a big comfortable chair (a recliner works if you have one). Put different activities in these areas so the child will have something to occupy his time with while recovering.

Learn more about this author, Tammy Cramblett.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.