Enjoying the Day When Charges Are Sick

            Seasonal colds are at a high during the winter months. Caring for a sick charge does not mean the day can’t be entertaining, it just means that the plans must be altered to fit the mood of the day. Upon arriving to the home, be sure to discuss the details of the child’s illness with the parents. Understand all expectations in terms of medication boundaries, sleep schedules, and routine check-ins. Before the parent leaves the home, be sure to ask about the child’s mood and where have they been in terms of activity level. Do they have an appetite? Are they sleeping more than usual? Once established, plan the day accordingly.

            Being indoors with a stuffy nose, slight fever, and tickled cough does not mean playtime won’t happen, just plan on a “gentle play” kind of day. Some great sick day activities include:

• Story time
• Eye Spy
• Coloring books 
• Soothing music 
• Creating a stuffed animal doctor’s office
• Board games for older children

A day full of calm play and relaxation may be just what your charge needs to get back on their feet. Be sure to monitor their symptoms throughout the day to ensure that they do not overexert themselves. If capable, try some of these fun, but calm, suggestions to take their mind off of being sick because laughter truly is the best medicine!