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Sick Day Activities
A Little Fun for Toddlers When They're Not Feeling So Well
By Amy Henry
A bath will boost your child's spirits and may provide fever relief, but if your toddler needs coaxing, Douglas suggests adding bubble bath or nontoxic coloring to the water. Soap crayons allow little ones to draw on tub walls. And you can bring in sandbox toys for a bathtub beach party. Just throw some towels on the floor, says Douglas, and let your toddler splash and play.
Dr. Blier says fever need not restrict a child's activity except in very rare diseases (check with your pediatrician if you have questions) but, he adds, rest lets the body focus on fighting the illness.
"Being sick doesn't slow him down too much," says Ken Tannenbaum, a stay-at-home dad from Lovettsville, Va., of his son, David. To keep the action at a quiet roar, they play video games together. Or they do a version of Thomas the Tank Engine that Tannenbaum calls "interactive." Dad offers track pieces, one by one, to David, chief engineer in charge of designing a new track. "It takes his focus off feeling sick," Tannenbaum says.
Here are some more ideas for restful fun:
- Set up a toddler tent with blankets and chairs for a living room campout. Line the floor with a sleeping bag. Then help your child pack an "overnight" kit with flashlight, pajamas, books, crackers and a water bottle. Cuddle up and share a favorite story by flashlight.
- Give your child old magazines and let her cut or tear pictures from them to paste into her own construction-paper book. Let her choose a theme – favorite foods, pets or toys – and help her write simple captions.
