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Home - 5 Ways To Make Sick Days Special

5 Ways To Make Sick Days Special

By Jillian | February 18, 2013
Filed under: Parenting

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This cold and flu season has been miserable for our family. In the past month it’s been passed around… back and forth. ICK! We are ready to be well. But I will admit we certainly enjoyed those snuggle filled, quiet sick days.

Children’s Mucinex is running a three part series helping parents prevent illness and then keep their kids smiling even on sick days! This is part two of the series… check out Hand Washing Fun (and learning) if you missed it. At the end of the last post I asked readers what they do to keep their little ones smiling on sick days. I used those answers to help shape this post! Thanks for the great ideas!

5 ways to make sick days special

1. Keep a stash of new coloring books, crayons and colored pencils especially for sick days. It will give your little one something to look forward to and will be fun to look through as they get older.

2. Make a birds nest with blankets and pillows. Enjoy some baby bird pampering and resting. Doesn’t that sound especially cuddly? What a perfect place to recoup.

Children’s Mucinex

3. Try out a simple science experiment that takes very little prep and very little energy. We did this science experiment on Big M’s last sick day. Use three cups of water put blue food coloring in one, yellow in the other and leave the center cup clear. Connect the cups with paper towels. All that’s left is to wait. Since this project takes so long it’s perfect for the poor sickie to peek at when they get up to go to the bathroom or feel like stretching their legs a bit. I’m not going to tell you what happens… but it’s cool! Tips: 1. Use A LOT of food coloring. The brighter the colors the better the final product. 2. We left ours up for over 24 hours and there was change all the way through.

4. Make it a screen day. Since sick days are the kind of days that make it hard to get off the couch it’s a great time to extend screen time a bit. Watch a few shows together or introduce your little one to a movie you loved as a kid.

5. Bring out some books they haven’t seen in a while. We have special holiday books that are put up for most of the year. Sick days are perfect days to bring out these books and enjoy some of our family favorites. Plus it’s fun to think about holidays any time of year!

  What activity makes your child smile when they are under the weather? 

SWEEPSTAKES

When entering a comment, you are entered to win a $100 CVS gift card.

No duplicate comments.

You may receive 1 total entry by leaving a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 2/6/2013 – 3/31/2013

 

Be sure to visit the Children’s Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

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More Ways to Be a More Confident Parent:

  • REALLY Funny Summer Jokes for KidsREALLY Funny Summer Jokes for Kids
  • 20 Things You Can Do For ME TIME (even though you’re busy)20 Things You Can Do For ME TIME (even though you’re busy)
  • Camping Jokes for Kids (Funny and Printable!)Camping Jokes for Kids (Funny and Printable!)

Give me 7 days...

I'll show you the mom you really are.

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Comments

  1. Kelly D says

    February 18, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    My kids like to color together or work on word searches or mazes when they are not feeling well.

    Reply
  2. Mami2jcn says

    February 18, 2013 at 4:41 pm

    My daughter loves doing puzzles!

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    Reply
  3. Elena says

    February 18, 2013 at 9:28 pm

    My son likes watching his favorite cartoons

    Reply
  4. Aubrey says

    February 19, 2013 at 5:38 am

    We love snuggling on the couch watching a fun kids movie! The science experiment looks awesome!

    Reply
  5. Amanda says

    February 19, 2013 at 6:48 am

    Similar to your “nest” idea, I create a “sick bed” for my daughter on the sofa. I lay a blanket or comforter over the seat and back of the sofa, then fold the blanket over her creating a cocoon of sorts. I make a big deal out of it and it comforts her having a sick bed. I also let her drink a lot of juice to keep fluids in her. She normally gets to drink very little juice, so this is special to her.

    Reply
  6. Angela says

    February 19, 2013 at 8:31 am

    I hit the library for sick days – NEW Books are always a welcome as we cuddle on the sofa.

    Reply
  7. Erika says

    February 19, 2013 at 8:52 am

    Lots of snuggles! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Elaine says

    February 19, 2013 at 10:35 am

    These are our favorites:
    Button box: sort and play in various ways
    Stick and peel dioramas [like Melissa and Doug scenes]
    Magic painting books: painting with water so color appears
    Playdoh

    Reply
  9. upasana biswal says

    February 19, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    my son loves to play angry birds so we draw, color and play some more on sick days and always keep a few leappad games to keep him busy and occupied

    Reply
  10. Margaret Smith says

    February 20, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    Usually my kids like to lay on the couch with a bunch of pillows and a special cuddle blanket and they like to watch special movies that they pick out.

    Reply
  11. Tiffany Winner says

    February 20, 2013 at 12:32 pm

    watching cartoons all day
    thismomwins@gmail.com

    Reply
  12. Lisa Brown says

    February 20, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    When we spend time reading together, or doing any other craft projects at home, and television, they always feel better.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  13. D SCHMIDT says

    February 20, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    My older son really enjoys playing with Moon Sand and Play Doh especially when unwell.

    Reply
  14. Stephanie V. says

    February 20, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    frozen yogurt – I always get them their favorite flavor at the yogurt store and they love it! (and perfect for those sore throats)
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

    Reply
  15. Tamar says

    February 21, 2013 at 5:45 am

    My son likes watching Doc McStuffins!!!

    Reply
  16. rachel says

    February 21, 2013 at 8:13 am

    Eating frozen yogurt and enjoying a move is always a hit.

    Reply
  17. Kathleen says

    February 21, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    Reading books together

    kport207 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  18. courtney b says

    February 21, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    my daughter loves reading a good pop up book or a book that talks:)

    Reply
  19. One Frugal Girl says

    February 21, 2013 at 6:13 pm

    Lots and lots of snuggling, holding and hugging.

    Reply
  20. sandra says

    February 22, 2013 at 5:45 am

    puzzles

    Reply
  21. Rebecca Graham says

    February 23, 2013 at 1:23 am

    Doing puzzles and making crafts helps.

    Reply
  22. cw says

    February 24, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    We make vitamin C boost smoothies together, snuggle and watch cartoons/read together

    Reply
  23. Jessie C. says

    February 24, 2013 at 7:57 pm

    They love coloring or watching cartoons.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply
  24. Chelsea says

    February 25, 2013 at 3:53 pm

    He likes playing Super Nintendo games when he is sick.

    Reply
  25. Kim D. says

    February 25, 2013 at 7:30 pm

    My kids just like to stay in bed and watch their favorite cartoons or play on the ipad.
    mom22girlz at ymail dot com

    Reply
  26. Wynne says

    February 26, 2013 at 6:40 pm

    Making tea with lots of honey. Celestial Seasonings has one called Sleepytime Sinus Soother that we call “nose tea.”

    Reply
  27. Sarah Hirsch says

    February 28, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    my kids like to watch movies or tv in my bed when they are sick

    Reply
  28. Sarah Hirsch says

    February 28, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    when my kids are sick they like to lay in bed and watch tv or movies

    Reply
  29. tara pittman says

    March 2, 2013 at 11:40 am

    They love watching movies.

    Reply
  30. nannypanpan says

    March 2, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    painting or paper crafting
    nannypanpan@gmail.com

    Reply
  31. steph says

    March 5, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    he’s only 3 months but he loves to fly “airplane”!

    Reply
  32. marybeth i says

    March 9, 2013 at 10:39 am

    we love movies, reading or the ipad when we are sick 🙂

    Reply
  33. Rosanne says

    March 10, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    Banana popscles

    Reply
  34. tammigirl says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    When under the weather there’s nothing my kids like more than to lie around and watch their favorite videos.

    Reply
  35. LaDonna Gay says

    March 12, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    my children love watching home movies when they are sick

    Reply
  36. Laura Jacobson says

    March 12, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    Oh Carter always loves when I read books to him when he is not feeling well! Always his favorite!
    landfjacobson @ charter.net

    Reply
  37. Tina M says

    March 13, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    playing video game with daddy

    Reply
  38. Kelly Massman says

    March 17, 2013 at 11:42 am

    Reading books with me (or listening to me read)! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

    Reply
  39. danielle lima says

    March 18, 2013 at 6:50 am

    watching cartoons with me

    Reply
  40. Betty Baez says

    March 18, 2013 at 6:54 am

    drawing on their easel

    Reply
  41. dan williams says

    March 18, 2013 at 9:24 am

    twitted this today, 18/03

    Reply
  42. HilLesha says

    March 18, 2013 at 9:46 am

    My son loves playing with his LEGOs. 🙂

    Reply
  43. HilLesha says

    March 18, 2013 at 9:47 am

    My son loves playing with his LEGOs and dinosaurs. 🙂

    Reply
  44. Cathy Truman says

    March 18, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    Watching funny movies and chicken noodle soup.

    Reply
  45. PAIGE CHANDLER says

    March 18, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    My daughter loves to watch The Parent Trap in her room over and over again when she feels crummy. She knows the words by heart.

    Reply
  46. Stephanie V. says

    March 18, 2013 at 8:30 pm

    eating frozen yogurt!
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

    Reply
  47. soha molina says

    March 18, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    Reading a book keeps her happy.

    Reply
  48. Jacob LaFountaine says

    March 18, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    I have no kids but I enjoyed puzzle books when i felt down

    Reply
  49. Julie G says

    March 19, 2013 at 5:37 am

    My daughter likes it when I pull out the “rainy day” craft bucket on sick days.

    Reply
  50. Wild Orchid says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:17 am

    My son loves to cuddle with me and his favorite blanket while watching his favorite movies when he is feeling under the weather.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

    Reply
  51. Cynthia C says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:46 am

    A game of Scrabble usually made them smile.

    Reply
  52. Linda Lansford says

    March 19, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    we watch TV

    Reply
  53. betty says

    March 19, 2013 at 7:32 pm

    When kids are sick, it’s hard to get smiles. When they really feel bad we bring out the fuzzy blanket and read their old fave books. If they are up to it, we play a board game but usually watching tv and falling asleep gets them the rest they need.

    Reply
  54. steve weber says

    March 20, 2013 at 2:23 am

    we color!

    Reply
  55. Stephanie Larison says

    March 20, 2013 at 2:26 am

    Us playing puzzles together.

    Reply
  56. betty says

    March 20, 2013 at 6:09 pm

    When really sick, my kids were happy to snuggle in the fuzzy blanket and we’d read their old fave books. Older kids were still soothed by listening to those beloved toddler bedtime stories. When we were in the getting over it phase, they liked coloring and board games.

    Reply
  57. Barbara Montag says

    March 20, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    The kids love watching movies on Netflix when they’re not feeling the best.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  58. maria cantu says

    March 20, 2013 at 9:33 pm

    My kids like to watch cartoons.

    Reply
  59. Anastasia says

    March 21, 2013 at 3:42 am

    If staying home from school weren’t enough to make them smile, then being taken care of, made comfortable and getting to watch their favorite shows on tv always does 🙂

    Reply
  60. Emily says

    March 21, 2013 at 7:30 am

    My son enjoys watching a Dora marathon.

    Reply
  61. Joni Mason says

    March 21, 2013 at 3:53 pm

    When My 2 year old grandson is sick , I go to his house and he snuggles up to me for a day of watching Dumbo and Sesame Street.

    Reply
  62. gina says

    March 21, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    Snuggles, watching Caillou & popsicles.

    Reply
  63. Leighann says

    March 21, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    our kids like to watch tv and eat soup when they’re under the weather.

    Reply
  64. Tara Perez says

    March 22, 2013 at 4:41 pm

    When my kids are sick I can always make them smile by cuddling with them on the couch and watching Americas funniest child videos!

    Reply
  65. Janna Johnson says

    March 22, 2013 at 9:51 pm

    playing on the ipad
    Thanks! Janna JOhnson jannajanna@hotmail.com janna@feedyourpig on gfc

    Reply
  66. Nadine L says

    March 23, 2013 at 10:53 am

    A funny movie while snuggled together always brings a smile. Laughter always seems to make her feel better

    Reply
  67. Debbie B says

    March 23, 2013 at 8:53 pm

    laying on the couch watching movies

    Reply
  68. Debbie B says

    March 23, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    i tweeted here:

    https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/315672984910180354

    Reply
  69. Marseira Noiloel says

    March 24, 2013 at 5:20 am

    Pampering and resting makes my children smile when they are under the weather.

    Reply
  70. Nancy says

    March 24, 2013 at 11:01 am

    We usually put in movies since they normally don’t get to watch them. Leaving TV and movies for special times only makes it so they really enjoy watching it when the opportunity comes along.

    Reply
  71. ky2here says

    March 25, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    changing the bed sheets with them in the bed is always a hit.

    good thing that CNA training means something, huh?

    ky2here at msn dot com

    Reply
  72. joni says

    March 25, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    The game Uno Attack.
    dolniaks at consolidated dot net

    Reply
  73. Valerie Taylor Mabrey says

    March 26, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    They like it when I read books to them!

    Reply
  74. Becky Horn says

    March 26, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    We just stay in and read books, play games etc.
    sweokgrl@gmail.com

    Reply
  75. Chad H says

    March 26, 2013 at 8:39 pm

    Disney movies and snuggling help lift the kiddos spirits when they are down.

    Reply
  76. Amy Tong says

    March 26, 2013 at 11:12 pm

    Painting makes my kids smile whenever they are under the weather. I’m not a good painter myself though. So, they must have got their artistic genes from daddy! LOL

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

    Reply
  77. Maureen says

    March 27, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    They like to have someone read to then while drinking hot chocolate and then to play games like puzzles.

    Reply
  78. Jill L says

    March 27, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    Cuddles from mom and some ginger ale. She never gets pop so it’s a big deal.

    Reply
  79. Gloria S says

    March 27, 2013 at 8:07 pm

    playing with her dog

    Reply
  80. sy says

    March 28, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    My little cousin likes to make storybooks, we also keep a stash of coloring pens and paper. She also likes to watch tv when she’s feeling sick, I like the extra cuddle 😀
    songyueyu at gmail

    Reply
  81. Marcia Goss says

    March 28, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    When my granddaughter is under the weather, she likes to snuggle on the couch with her blankets and pillow and watch a movie.

    Reply
  82. diane Baum says

    March 28, 2013 at 5:11 pm

    My sons love to snuggle with Dr. Seuss books

    Reply
  83. Lynn says

    March 28, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    Card games or puzzles!

    Reply
  84. Harmony B says

    March 29, 2013 at 3:10 am

    Watching movies and playing with dads tablet. Keeps them happy and resting

    Reply
  85. angie lilly says

    March 29, 2013 at 8:05 am

    I don’t have kids but can remember when I was sick myself as a kid my dad would bring me home a new Barbie doll or He-Man figurine and it was always the highlight of being sick! LOL

    Reply
  86. Samantha Daleo says

    March 29, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    When my daughter is under the weather we pull out the sketch pad and colored pencils and draw together while watching her favorite movies.

    Thanks!
    Samantha
    Jamesmadison1974@gmail.com

    Reply
  87. Samantha Daleo says

    March 29, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    When my daughter is under the weather we pull out the sketch pad and colored pencils and draw together.

    Thanks!
    Samantha
    Jamesmadison1974@gmail.com

    Reply
  88. Daniel M says

    March 29, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    video games, books and movies!

    Reply
  89. catherine copeland says

    March 29, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    when my little one is underthe weather he loves hearing his favorite stories

    teechbiz at gmail dot com

    Reply
  90. Sean says

    March 29, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    Snuggles and sherbet ice cream always does the trick.

    seanm 1999 at hotmail dot com

    Reply
  91. Kimberly Hilbert says

    March 30, 2013 at 7:11 am

    There is no activity that makes her smile when she is sick except watching Wizard of Oz. Luckily, she doesn’t get sick very often. When she does she just lays on the couch.

    Reply
  92. s riches says

    March 30, 2013 at 7:33 am

    They like to help me make homemade chicken soup because it makes the whole house smell good.

    Reply
  93. Erica Best says

    March 30, 2013 at 8:58 am

    my nephew love to bake when he is sick

    Reply
  94. Erica Best says

    March 30, 2013 at 8:58 am

    https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/318026806953402370

    Reply
  95. limepink says

    March 30, 2013 at 10:49 am

    Movies!!!

    Reply
  96. Kenny F says

    March 30, 2013 at 11:41 am

    doing puzzles

    Reply
  97. kathy pease says

    March 30, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    playing the game i spy with objects in the room made my kids feel better

    Reply
  98. Sarah L says

    March 30, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    I like to shop at the dollar store for small things that make kids happy. Surprises make life fun.
    Thanks for the contest.

    Reply
  99. Danny Rubio says

    March 30, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    I’m I going to miss out on another giveaway/sweepstakes, I hope snot!
    But if I’m feeling snotie, Mucinex is my 1st choice!

    Thank you…Single Dad Danny

    motoxmanager@hotmail.com

    Reply
  100. Brenda Elsner says

    March 30, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    My kids like to snuggle up and watch movies when they are sick.

    Reply
  101. ANGEL JACKLYN says

    March 30, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    GETTING POP AND ICE CREAM (IF THAT COUNTS… IT’S PRETTY BIG AROUND HERE)

    Reply
  102. charity s says

    March 30, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    Popcorn crafts & anything that he can paint.

    Reply
  103. Kayla says

    March 30, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    We play board games together.

    Reply
  104. Shirley Zolenski says

    March 30, 2013 at 9:45 pm

    She likes to color when she is sick

    Reply
  105. Kari Flores says

    March 31, 2013 at 6:34 am

    A warm bath & Hot Chicken Noodle Soup.

    Reply
  106. Katharina says

    March 31, 2013 at 7:24 am

    Books, games, and extra time together!
    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

    Reply
  107. BusyWorkingMama says

    March 31, 2013 at 7:32 am

    My daughter loves it if I let her watch a TV show when she’s sick.

    Reply
  108. wendy rozema says

    March 31, 2013 at 9:04 am

    coloring books/sticker books & watching TV in bed!
    wendywynsma@gmail.com

    Reply
  109. Kathryn C says

    March 31, 2013 at 10:36 am

    jiffy pop popcorn popper

    Reply
  110. Pauline M says

    March 31, 2013 at 11:45 am

    For my son, he just wants to cuddle with me on the couch while watching his favorite cartoon!

    Reply
  111. cassandra says

    March 31, 2013 at 11:46 am

    I would have to say coloring and watching movies!

    Reply
  112. Susan Smith says

    March 31, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    My daughter likes to read and watch her favorite movies.

    Reply
  113. Gina Ferrell says

    March 31, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    Watching movies and eating popsicles

    Reply
  114. Gianna says

    March 31, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Favorite treats, toys and movies.

    Reply
  115. heather c says

    March 31, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    Rediscovering toys not played with in months, drawing or watching pokemon!

    Reply
  116. laurie says

    March 31, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    we like to color together

    Reply
  117. Nicole Larsen says

    March 31, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Cuddling, watching movies and having ice cream 🙂

    Reply
  118. tabathia b says

    March 31, 2013 at 5:00 pm

    watching tv or arts and craft

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  119. Amanda Sakovitz says

    March 31, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    watching movies and peanut butter and marshmallows sandwiches.

    pokergrl8 at gmail.com

    Reply
  120. anash says

    March 31, 2013 at 5:26 pm

    my kids love to watch videos when they are under the weather! Thanks for a super giveaway!

    Reply
  121. betty says

    March 31, 2013 at 5:36 pm

    I agree with your suggestion to bring out books they haven’t seen lately. I think the old faves are reassuring; they snuggle up and listen to Dr Seuss tales they haven’t heard in 2 years and it really does make them smile

    Reply
  122. Thomas Murphy says

    March 31, 2013 at 7:27 pm

    ice cream and disney movies

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

    Reply
  123. meme says

    March 31, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    They love to snuggle and listen to me make up stories about them and their stuffed animals

    Reply

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I'm Jill Riley. I have a son and a daughter (both in the tween years), a very handsome hubby and the laziest puppy ever!
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