Cold and flu season. That time of year when a chorus of sneezes, sniffly noses, and coughs brings chills up any mother’s spine. My story is like one you have all experienced before. Both my husband and my toddler caught a bug to ring in the New Year, and I spent many days doting and caring for my sick little loves. Day four rolls around when my toddler comes at me with an open mouth kiss and her snot-ridden nose. There was no avoiding it. A day later the bug got me, right when my daughter started feeling better.
Now toddlers are interesting creatures. They are no longer able to sit still for hours at a time in fascination of normal household objects like a baby, nor are they able to entertain themselves for long periods of time (let alone, care for themselves) like a school-aged child. Let’s just say, it’s really hard to care for a toddler when your body aches and your throat feels like you gargled glass shards the nights before.
Here are eight proven ways to entertain your toddler while you are sick and stuck at home!
Go to “the pool”
I am fortunate enough to have a large bathtub in my master bathroom, one which my daughter never goes in. My body was aching fiercely and I knew warm water would help. We filled up the tub with lavender bubble bath, grabbed some beach towels, and put on our swimsuits to enjoy a “pool morning.”
Pro-tip: If your toddler has a morning number two, wait until after that has happened before you decide to join him or her in the tub.
Also, I highly suggest using tub crayons on special occasions when you both are stuck at home.
Change locations
Sometimes a change of scenery can help entertain your child a little longer. We typically alternate between playing downstairs or upstairs. Different toys are kept on each level so my toddler has toys to look forward to. A couple times I got desperate and let her play in my room, which isn’t necessarily toddler-proofed. She thought that was tons of fun, especially climbing on the big bed.
Make a fort or obstacle course
Yes, mama. This one requires a bit of energy, but I swear it will provide you with at least an hour of entertainment. Take out the blankets, attach them to chairs, and make a little den for your toddler to play in. Then you can roll up in your blanket burrito and let the magic unfold.
My daughter is a climber so I went the obstacle course route. She spent a lot of time trying new routes, climbing over and under the obstacles, and eventually tired herself out all while I observed from the couch.
Bring down the toys on the top shelf
You know you have them. Those coveted toys that you worry will break or cause too much of a mess. Mine are Nesting Dolls and Play-Doh. Play-Doh requires much supervision on my part due to the fact that my daughter won’t stop eating it, but it does provide a lot of entertainment. (…And nourishment? Ha..ha..)
Art projects
With my toddler’s attention span and skill level, the only art projects we currently enjoy are coloring (we use many tools: crayons, colored pencils, pens, and markers), painting with water, or painting with a ziplock bag.
Pile of recyclables
This one sounds silly, but it’s definitely an activity that takes up some time. I grabbed some Amazon boxes, found some clean disposable plastic cups, and threw them all in the center of my living room. My daughter enjoyed making towers (or, simply making a mess) with all of the recycled materials.
Sensory bins
My favorite sensory bin is a bin filled with colored rice and kitchen utensils. Rice, noodles, dried corn or beans could also be used the same way. If you do not have those around your house, fill a large bin with soapy water and put all of your toddler’s washable toys in the bucket with sponges. Not only is your child enjoying his or her toys in a new way, but the toys are also being sanitized. Win win!
Pro-tip: Place the sensory bin on an old plastic tablecloth to collect runaway rice or water that will pool on the ground.
When all else fails…screen time
Do not get upset if you cannot keep your toddler entertained while you are feeling so crummy. Start popping some popcorn and turn on a movie so you and your toddler can enjoy some snuggles. You need to let your body rest, and I can think of no better way to do it!
Do you have any other ideas on how to entertain your toddler while you are ill?
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