Since kids are apt to catch more than one cold each winter, this week we visit another caterpillar kid for restful indoor fun!
This week's materials are dedicated to
anyone who has struggled to get alert in the wee hours of morning when a loved child
calls out, "I don't feel so good." We all know the sinking feeling when cries ring out
in those special, sad notes that accompany hot foreheads, coughs, nausea,
etc.
Whatever else we planned for the day falls to the bottom of the list, after (1) take temperature -- (2) call doctor's office -- (3) stay on hold while waiting for nurse practitioner while convincing child(ren) to wait patiently and/or stop grabbing toy from sibling -- (4) convince child to take all medicine -- (5) find fun but easy things to do to distract tired child & self.
This week's activity sheets offer more simple tips for creative indoor fun whether your child feels healthy or under the weather. This week's kitchen table tips are for taking care of your favorite child when s/he isn't feeling well...
 | Follow even "simple" advice carefully -- if you aren't clear, ask questions! When your doctor recommends fluids, be sure to ask what kinds. Find out what is best for your child's symptoms: clear soup? water? commercially made formulas? |
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Remember, even excellent professionals can make a mistake. A careful pharmacist recently noticed that our daughter's antibiotic prescription was mistakenly recorded as 3 teaspoons per day, instead of 2. No harm was done, but it is certainly easier to give just 2 doses. If something doesn't look right to you, check with your doctor's office or your pharmacist. |
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Pay attention to flavorings... Many children have preferences -- if you don't see "grape" or "cherry" on the shelf, check with your pharmacist to see if they can order it for next time. Even prescription-only medicines may be available in different flavors. A good friend's daughter has no trouble with one type of amoxicillan but thoroughly refuses a different flavor. They really can taste different. |
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As your child's weight changes, remember that the recommended dosage for over the counter medications also change. If it has been a while since you gave your child an over the counter medicine, check with your pediatrician, family doctor or a pharmacist for the correct dosage. |
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Especially if you are feeling sleep deprived, write out your questions for the doctor. When your child is sick, make sure you have the full attention of your healthcare provider. They are busy people, but take the time you need to get your questions answered. Your child depends on you to be their advocate! |
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For more great ideas, check out the activities at our parent site www.shininghours.com.
Next week, we'll help caterpillars rest & take good care of themselves to get over a cold!
You are ready for the Activity Sheets now; you can print them from here (Get Sheets), or go back to the Butterfly School home page.
From Butterfly Central,
Cozy chairs for learning!
Teacher Tips
from Corinne Steigerwald
On sick days, you often might end up snuggled on a cozy chair. A soft pillow and blanket are very comforting for young children. Add a favorite stuffed animal or doll and you have a great place for simple learning activities.
Here are ten things you might try on a cozy chair day....
1. Read a favorite story.
2. Think of words that begin with your favorite letter.
3. Count all your fingers and toes.
4. Make pretend phone calls. Practice answering, "Hello, who is calling please?" and "Please hold on." Discuss dialing 911 when you need emergency help.
5. Make up a story with your child's address in it and practice remembering the address "once, ___, who lived at ___ Street, went for a walk. S/he left ___ Street and walked all the way to the end of the street. S/he saw a bird, a tree and a dog! Then s/he walked back to ___ Street and went inside for a delicious snack!"
6. Sing your child's favorite song.
7. Read a poem.
8. Play a favorite song and read the lyrics out loud.
9. Write out a letter to a favorite friend or relative. Let your child dictate, you write the words, let your child decorate!
10. Call one special friend for a quick hello!
Coordinated resources:
Check our new winter reading ideas before your next trip to the library!
little books for Butterfly School
Questions for Corinne: corinne@shininghours.com
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