There is nothing worse for a parent then to see their child sick. Even though my kids are teens it still bothers me when I hear the coughing and looking miserable when they come down with something. It makes you feel helpless because there is not much you can do other than give the medication (if needed) and a cozy bed to cuddle up in.
When my kids are home sick from school I have one rule – no phones or internet. They are suppose to be resting. Besides, all their friends are in school so there is no one they need to be texting.
I’m OK with my kids watching TV when they are not feeling well. My son likes to watch CNN or the Weather Channel (not exactly normal 14 year old programming). My daughter on the other hand (she’s 16) will watch movies or her favorite TV series on Netflix.
When you are feeling miserable and “blah” sometimes a funny movie is exactly what the doctor ordered. People always say that “Laughter is the best medicine”.
Scientific research has proven that laughter releases the “feel good” chemical endorphin into our system. When you are feeling “blah” anything to help you feel good is a great thing.
Once way to find ways to laugh is to watch a comedy. Netflix has plenty of great comedies that are sure to get your child – and yourself – laughing. Combine a hysterical comedy with a bowl of hot chicken soup, a warm blanket and a place to snuggle and I’m sure your child will start to feel better in no time.
Here are a few family friendly comedies that are sure to provide you plenty of chuckles.
5. The Croods [coming to Netflix 1/29!]
Daddy Day Care ALWAYS gets my family laughing. Eddie Murphy is hysterical in that movie. One of my family’s favorite scenes is when the little boy uses the bathroom by himself and tells Eddie Murphy’s character that “he missed”. When Eddie goes into the bathroom he sees the little boys mess is everywhere – including the ceiling. The look on Eddie Murphy’s face when he discovers this is priceless.
Young children might not fully understand why they are feeling sick when no on else is, especially their friends. It’s important to let them know that catching a cold is not uncommon. Eventually most people will experience a cold from time to time – some more so than others. Even their favorite TV characters feel a bit “blah” from time to time.
Check out these popular children’s shows where a character feels sick and how they deal with the experience.
1. Magic School Bus: Inside Ralphie
2. Sesame Street: The Ten Commandments of Health
3. The Adventures of Chuck & Friends: The Checkup
4. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Daniel Visits the Doctor
5. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Daniel Gets a Shot
If your child is feeling up to it you can even put together a fun and easy craft to help them to take their mind off of not feeling that well.
I love the idea of making a Dream Catcher. I made one when I was younger at an away camp. My daughter made one at school when she was younger too.
Doing a craft together is a better idea than having your child running around. Even if they are starting to feel better they should take time to rest up. Doing a fun craft doesn’t use up as much energy as running around.
Netflix has an easy Dream Catcher craft that any child could do and it doesn’t require a lot of supplies.
If you would like the instructions visit the Pick-Me-Up Dream Catcher Page over at Kelly Ladd Sanchez’s website.
When you are not feeling well you should take care to eat foods that are good for you and help boost your immune system.
Alejandra Ramos has some super adorable, easy to make, healthy recipes that are sure to make your child smile. I absolutely love her recipe idea. She is very creative in the kitchen. Her Mouse Pear Salad and Apple Peanut Butter Smiles are adorable. Check out Alejandra’s Five Healthy Snacks to Make Your Child Smile on her website, Always Order Dessert.
When your child is home sick, what do you do to make them feel better? Do you have a special thing that your family does when someone is feeling under the weather?
What movies or TV shows tickle your funny bone?
Feel free to share your thoughts.
For more information about Netflix or to check out all the comedies (and more!) visit www.Netflix.com. You can also keep up to date on new films that are available on the Netflix Facebook page. You can also find them on Twitter.
Kimberly
*I have partnered with Netflix who provided the information/sources. The opinions expressed are my own unless otherwise noted.
Mary Happymommy says
We’ve watched the Magic Schoolbus episodes on Netflix. They make great science lessons.
Mitch says
This is the type of stuff m son loves to atch! ANd we have Netflix, I am a recent addict, I mean follower and subscriber of their’s!