Entertaining Your Sick Child Without the TV

Every year parents have to plan for the days off their child has during the year, like holiday breaks, long weekends, and sick days.  You are never sure when your child will be sick but you can guarantee that it will happen.  When this happens most parents have to take the day off work and spend the day with their child.  The easiest solution is to put them on the couch in front of the TV and let them be entertained for hours.  Unfortunately, we all know that solution is not the best solution.  Here are some things you can do with your child so you both will enjoy the day.

1. Colouring books have come a long way.  They are not just for little kids anymore.  There are a variety of colouring books that cover all topics and all skill levels.  Colouring with them is a great way to bond and it also gives you a chance to communicate with your child.
2. One of my favourites is reading out loud.  Parents too often stop reading to their children because they think they are too old for it, but one way to encourage you child to read more is to read books to them that are too advanced for them.  This will encourage them to read more difficult books, but it will also give them more complex stories to learn from.
3. Arts and Crafts is a great go to.  This could be simply building Legos with them or have them create cards for an upcoming holiday.  If your child is into jewelry you could make beaded necklaces or bracelets.  
4. I remember when I was younger my mom would also break out the board games when I was sick.  On a few occasions she had me make my own board game and we would play it that day.  This was so much fun and I recommend it to all parents.
5. Another great idea to is make a picnic with some delicious sick day food.  You could help your child build a fort out of blankets and have the picnic inside the fort.  Make sure you ask for your child’s help when making their food.  You would be surprised at how much your child would want to help.

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