All it takes is to watch the news for a hot minute, or even just taking a quick look around, and it’s no secret that sick-season is here! Whether as serious as the flu or as minor as sinus problems or a headache, sometimes mom needs a break when not feeling well.
Unfortunately, however, moms don’t get sick days. You may want to hide under the covers, but you have children to care for and even more stressful when you feel icky, entertain.
Here are a few ways to keep the kids busy and occupied while you still get the rest you need to get yourself feeling better:
- Watch movies with a twist
It is tempting to let the kids watch TV all day, but make it an event instead. Let the kids’ imaginations run wild playing “movie theater” having concessions, an usher, and intermission. A movie will allow you to have about an hour and a half to rest up on the couch with your kids. If you need a little more time, consider encouraging your kids to talk about the movie and letting them write their own reviews.
- Create a wall canvas
When you’re sick, all you want to do is stay in bed. A great way to keep an eye on your kids and get the rest you need, starts with hanging a few sheets of banner paper on your bedroom wall. Supply kids with paint, crayons, and/or markers. Then, crawl in bed and watch your kids’ imagination come to life on paper. They get to show off their creativity to mom and you will get the rest you need.
- Discover sounds game
Find a tape recorder and play a game with your kids while you stay in bed. If your kids are old enough to wander through the house, tell them to record sounds they hear as they walk through it. It could be a leaky faucet, the air conditioning turning on, or a leaf blower recorded through the window. When they’ve recorded several sounds, tell them to return back to your bedroom to play back their discovered sounds and you try to guess what it is. If you have younger children, record each other talking, laughing, and making weird sounds. Play the sounds back and laugh some more. After all, laughter – as they say – is the best medicine!
- Play indoor hopscotch
If you’re too sick to sit outside with your kids while they play, bring the fun inside. Grab some painters tape or masking tape and set up a game hopscotch right in your living room. They can burn off some energy and you can get more rest in the comfort of your home.
- Design your own obstacle course
Gather up some of your kids’ toys such as toys that can be climbed on or crawled under, tunnels, slides, and/or ball pits. Once you’ve found enough toys to construct an obstacle course, set it up and watch your kids be entertained for hours. They can play while you get the rest you need to get well soon.
- Build a fort
While this might take a little energy to build, it will totally be worth it. All you need is a large blanket and some chairs. Once the fort itself is set up, the kids can decide what goes inside of it. They can put stuffed animals, coloring books, flashlights, and snacks in their very own fort. You can rest while they play.
The bottom line is that when you’re sick, you need to rest to get better. Yet, of course, you have to watch over your kids too unless there is someone else there to help out. These activities might take some effort to get going, but can provide you with the opportunity to get at least a little of the rest you need!
English
Spanish