Boredom busters for sick kids at home

by Melissa Jaramillo

Winter seems to be the time of year when everyone is sick and down for the count -- especially the kids.

Schools are a never-ending rampant breeding grounds for germs. Once those germs get a hold of your kids, it could be a day or two or longer until thy're feeling better and allowed back in childcare or the classroom.

The cries of, "Mommm, I'mmmm borrreeddd…." are ringing in your ears. What kinds of things can you do to bust that boredom during recovery time?

Try some of these ideas and activities to make the days pass by a little easier. But, more than any game, your kids definitely will want lots of tender loving care and that extra attention they're sure to get from you until they get back to their normal selves.

Sick day activities and ideas

• Have a tile floor? Let's make art! Some sidewalk chalk and imagination and they're busy for at least a couple of minutes. Cleanup is easy with a wet mop.

• Fort time! Sick days, if your kid is up for it, are create to create that special fort, cave or other imaginative place. Let them take over the living room with pillows, sheets and blankets.

Have a sleeping bag and a flashlight? They'll be creating all kinds of fun things to do…you'll probably be called over to join them and read a story or two…or play a game..why not!

• Pull out the "activity crate" -- don't have one or know what this item is? You can make a "sick day stash" ahead of time full of puzzles, toys, dolls, craft items -- whatever your kid are into doing at the time.

This is a great time-saver and a quick way to get rid of the cries of boredom, that could still be ringing in your ears. Let their imaginations go wild!

• Sometimes a soak in the tub is just the ticket. Why not get some special toys for tub time just for sick days? Having a new toy will bring a smile to an otherwise pouty face.

• If you're brave, why not fill a large plastic tub with water, sand, oatmeal, small rocks or rice. Add all your popular beach items like bottles, small toys, shoves and funnels. Let them dig around for the "treasures" you planted in there before they started playing! Don't be surprised if you hear, "Arrrr..." coming from the other room.

What kinds of activities and ideas do you have? Share them with us in the comments!

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto.