As a parent, you would rather suffer yourself than see your little one experience discomfort. For the times when your little ones do succumb to illness, here are some ideas that will make you both feel better in the interim.

Make up a bed on the sofa so the child doesn’t feel isolated in his room. Bring his blankets, his own pillow, his favorite book or a special new toy or stuffed animal, to make him as cozy as possible. Let your child stay in her pajamas or lounge around in comfortable clothing. If she does not feel like combing her hair, don’t worry about it. When your child goes to bed for the night, disinfect the area so others won't get sick.

Your child does need to keep up with other hygiene rituals such as brushing her teeth. When your child is well, dispose of the toothbrush she used while ill and purchase a new one. Place necessary items such as a box of tissue and a wastebasket, bottled water, and the television remote, within your child’s reach. If your child is bedridden for any length of time, he will soon become bored. Surprise him with a new coloring book and crayons, word puzzle book, or rent his favorite movie.

Give your child her own separate towel for washing up, to avoid spreading germs. You might even decide to designate a “sick towel” that is a different color from your everyday towels, or purchase paper towels so they can be thrown away. Choose paper towels with a cheery picture.

You do not have to use the same ideas each time your child is sick, and depending on the illness, certain items may not be practical. However, if you institute some of these ideas, they can become nice rituals that your child will associate with being comforted. Of course, your child might learn to expect ice pops at the least sniffle, but it is not much to ask if it helps her –and you- feel a little better.

Source:essortment.com