Oh no! Xavier was going to get sick!
Bad news. Xavier started coughing and sneezing heavily, and I could feel that he was going to get sick. That meant I had to stay at home with him for a few days as he couldn’t go to childcare. I don’t know how other kids behave when they’re not feeling well, but the strange about Xavier is that even when he’s not feeling his best, he’s somehow still energetic!
Thankfully, he didn’t have a fever. Even though he needed lots of cuddles, he could still run around for a while, kept talking (coughing in between), and even insisted on going outside, despite the windy and gloomy weather. I kept wondering, “How on earth is this little body still restless even though he is not feeling well? Doesn’t he feel tired?” Anyway, I guess some kids are just wired to keep moving, even when they’re not at their best.
I had to get creative and think of ways to keep him busy while also squeezing out a little time for myself. If you are on the same page as me, here are 10 activities that keeps my energetic, sick boy engaged:
1. Lots of Cuddles & Hugs
Even though they might still have bursts of energy, they often get clingier than usual. This is absolutely normal, and it is important to give them comfort as much as possible. Other than that, it also helps releasing oxytocin, the love hormone, which can strengthen your child immune system. Put aside your to-do list and give them lots, lots and lots of cuddles to make them feel safe and loved. Sometimes, that’s all they really need.
2. Reading Books Together
Reading books is a great way to create calm environment and help your boys rest as much as possible. Research also suggested that story telling can help in healing and soothing pain and discomfort. Make the story time more engaging and interesting with exaggerated facial expressions and voices to keep their attention. Even though they are restless, a good story can hold their interest and long enough to let them sit still and relax.
3. Do Simple House Chores Together
Invite your boys to do simple house chores with you can be a great way to keep them engaged while also making them feel helpful. Xavier got a bit clingy at one point, so I invited him to join me in the kitchen while I prepared a meal. We also did laundry together and he was so proud of himself when we finished. Seeing his little smile of accomplishment was priceless.
4. Arts and Crafts
Coloring is most common activity they can do. Besides coloring, you can take it a step further by introducing play dough with other molding tools or making your own. Simple activity books or crafting with stickers are also great for toddlers to help with their fine motor skills.
5. Building Blocks
Building Blocks are essential toy for kids, especially when you need to keep them occupied for a while. They are great for hand eye coordination, at the same time, fun and creative possibilities are endless. Moreover, it gives you a chance to enjoy coffee break while they deeply immerse in their imaginative construction projects!
6. Playing with Favourite Toys
Get your child his favorite toys and let their imagination flies. For Xavier, he loves all sort of vehicles. By combining with blocks mentioned above, we created a “car wash machine”, and he ran all his cars through it, pretending washing. We even created a small city with roads to play with his favorite cars. Adding soft background music can also help creating a calm atmosphere while playing.
7. Simple Activities Setups
Quickly setting up some simple practical life activities to keep your child engaged and give them a sense of accomplishment. We practiced pouring water and transferring pom-poms with tongs which kept Xavier entertained for quite a while.
8. Pretend Play
Anything in your house or your surrounding can be one of the tools for pretend play. It is a fantastic way to build your child’s imagination. I played the roles of ambulance, doctor, and patient when playing with Xavier. You can be anything – an object, a person, a vehicle, an animal, the possibilities are endless and it is a great activity to bond with your boys and keep them entertained.
9. Music and Light Dancing Time
Cuddle your little one, sing or have a light dance together. Choosing relaxing music to keep the environment soothing and calm, which is especially important when they’re not feeling well. They might just fall asleep in your arms.
10. Limited Screen Time
This is my last choice to entertain him when all else fails – watch some educational videos. Just to be sure to set clear boundaries. Told your boys about the limited screen time with timer before you start. I let Xavier watch some educational videos with my phone alarm on to limit the duration. He especially loves videos about vehicles. Some of my favorite picks are Blippi and Gecko’s Garage. You can easily find these videos on Youtube.
Final Note on Care and Comfort
Remember to keep your child hydrated with plenty of water, provide nutritious food and ensure they get as much rest as possible! It’s okay to let them sleep in or nap longer than usual. Their bodies need the time to recover. And as a parent, you have to relax too. It’s okay if your schedule shifts a bit, focus on what matters the most.
