As we all know, it's cold and flu season. Yuck!
I hope that you and your family have (so far!) avoided the worst of it. However, if you have a school-aged child who has come down with a sickness that warrants him or her to stay home from school, let me just say-- I feel your pain!
Yes, it's true that when kids are sick, their energy levels are diminished. But, as most parents know, a child's diminished energy level is still often times much higher than an adult's, and when your child is home sick from school, you might find that it doesn't take long for both of you to start climbing the walls with boredom.
So, what can you do when you and your child are stuck home sick? Try some of these (low energy) activities to help keep cabin fever at bay.
- Catch up on some reading. If you're looking for some new ideas, try a few of these award-winnning children's books, or get cozy with one from this list of classic books for all ages. If your child is old enough to read quietly himself, snuggle up under a blanket and read side by side. (If this is the case, Mom, check out one of these popular "beach" reads, that I think are also good for a cold winter day.)
- Play a board game. One of these 10 classic games are a great way to pass a few hours in the afternoon. Monopoly, anyone?
- Watch a movie! It's not often you get to spend a quiet afternoon with your little one (even if he's sick). Make the most of it and treat him to his favorite DVD, or rent a movie On Demand. Looking for some new movies to watch? Try one of these kids' books turned movies, or a newly-released DVD. Want more ideas? Our family movie resource has tons of suggestions.
- Get crafty! You might not feel like going out to the craft store for supplies, so try one of these crafts made from supplies you probably already have on hand. Or, if you're in the mood, these wintry crafts kids can make are easy and cute, too. (I love the penguin puppet!)
- Color! Make it a learning experience during Black History Month and print off these famous African-American coloring pages. Want more? Here's some flower coloring pages, animal coloring pages, children's book characters coloring pages, color by letter or number pages,and more!
- If your child is too sick to get out of bed, snuggle with him and look at old photos, do a puzzle, or write a story together.
I hope I gave you a good arsenal of ideas for the next time you've got a sick and bored child at home. For even more ideas, check out these activities and crafts for kids and these indoor activities for all ages.
Stay healthy, everyone!