When your child is sick, he or she needs as much rest as possible. However, children are likely to get bored when they have to rest all day, and boredom combined with not feeling well can make for a cranky kid! To make sure that being sick is not any worse of an experience than it has to be, you’ll need to provide restful entertainment for your child.

Camping out on the couch: Although your child could easily rest in bed, they’ll probably be happier camped out on the couch, where they won’t feel as cut off from the world. Make sure you have everything your child might need within reach, such as water, snacks, medications, and even a pail or empty trash bin in case they get sick and can’t reach the bathroom in time. Your child should be made comfortable with pillows and blankets, and you should be available in case your child needs you.

Watching television: As much as I don’t approve of children spending excessive time watching television, when a child is sick watching television is the perfect solution for preventing boredom and ensuring they get enough rest.

Reading: Another sure-fire way for a child to stay entertained while they rest is to read. Now might be a good time to produce a new book you were saving as a present, or perhaps even to make a special trip to the library for your child. New reading material will hold their attention better and longer than books they’ve already read. As an alternative, you might consider reading to your child; no matter how old the child, being read to is always a special treat.

Playing games: If you have the time to sit down with your child and play a few games, your child would probably greatly appreciate the attention. Alternatively, video games are very entertaining and usually do not require a second person.

The sick days I spent on the family room couch as a kid are in reflection much more positive than negative experiences. Even though being sick is a miserable experience for anyone, child or adult, spending the day relaxing and being taken care of can make the memory a fond one.