Sick Kids

Of course you should follow your doctor’s orders and follow your school or daycare center rules in keeping your child at home. Here’s some advice to keep your kid comfortable, but entertained when they are sick. My kids could watch TV all day if I let them, but the guilt in me tries to limit TV time. They usually have to stay away from other kids. I know it’s hard if they have siblings. Just do your best. If you have more than one child, it’s highly likely that they’ll all get sick. And you too!

Sick Kid Activities

• Coloring
• Play dough
• Puzzles
• Reading books
• Games
• Baking cookies (even the break apart ones are fine! Kids love the sense of accomplishment that they "made" something.)
• "New" toys. I like to "hide" some of their Christmas presents and birthday presents that they've opened but may not have cared for as much as whatever their favorite thing that day was. Then, I take things out one by one when they are sick, having a bad day, or when they've been particularly good.
  

Making them comfortable

• Give lots of fluids. Doctors say to give them lots of fluids when they’re sick. If they’re sick of the normal milk, juice, or water, try some new beverages that they’ll be willing to try.
• Cold beverages may feel good on a sore throat. Try popsicles and ice cream or sorbet, too.
• Warm beverages or soup can also feel good on a sore throat. Try the old standby chicken soup or some hot cocoa.
• Lemonade. If you don’t have a lemonade mix, just make your own. I microwave some sugar in water in the microwave to melt the sugar. I then add ice and lemon juice. We love the volcanic lemon juice from Costco.
• Fruit and yogurt smoothies. I just mix up whatever fruit I have on hand with yogurt and ice. (Try two parts fruit, one part yogurt, one part ice. Can also add fruit juice or ice cream. Yum!)
• Try mixing different fruit juices together or buy one of the combo juices. My family’s favorite is Whole Foods’ Orange Peach Mango juice.
• Hot cocoa
  

Eating
Kids are usually picky and often lose their appetite when they’re sick. Don’t resort to giving them all their favorites if their favorites are junk food. Try to balance things out so they eat but eat something healthy. If my kids don't eat some fruits and vegetables, they get constipated, which turns into another big problem!

• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Chicken soup
• Macaroni and cheese
  

Sick kids aren’t in the mood to be trying new foods, so give have low expectations if you’re introducing something new to them.

Sleeping
Some kids nap, some don’t. If yours doesn’t or won’t at least make them like down quietly and rest. This can be a challenge if they’re insisting on watching TV or playing. Be strong and be firm. Tell them resting is for their own good so they can play with their friends again.