When your child is sick, both you and your little one are up against some unwelcome challenges. If the illness occurs during the summer months, they may see the gorgeous weather out of their window and struggle to stay cooped up inside. Trying to prevent your child from overexerting themselves will just add to your difficulties.
Keeping your little one entertained when they would prefer to be running around outside or cannonballing into the nearest pool is never a picnic. Fortunately, a few tips can make it easier. Get some parental advice for summer activities and make the days pass more easily for everyone while protecting your child’s health.
Why Illnesses in Children Spike in the Summer
Childhood illnesses are more strongly associated with the colder months, but summer colds and infections are not unusual. There are a number of reasons why this is the case. Some bacteria and viruses thrive when it’s warm and humid. Enteroviruses, for example, are very active during the summer.
Additionally, your child’s immune system can be affected by rapid changes in temperatures, like going from the outdoor heat to an air-conditioned building. If they come into contact with viruses or bacteria, their weakened immune system won’t be able to fight an infection off as effectively.
Children are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses as well. Heat stroke is a serious issue that can occur quickly when a child is very active outside on a hot day.
Some illnesses are connected to common summer activities, like swimming. Swimming in contaminated water, including unkempt community pools, can put your child in contact with bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause stomach issues.
During the summer, your child might spend time socializing at day camp or overnight camp. That makes it much easier to catch a bug from another child. Combine all of these factors with changes in sleeping schedules like staying up late, and it’s no wonder that children can end up feeling less than their best.
How to Keep Your Kids Entertained as They Recover
Consider these entertaining, low-key activity ideas if you’re looking for parental advice for summer activities that won’t overexert your sick kids or caregivers.
Reading a Book
Encourage your child to choose a book and read it from front to back. Make it into a challenge to see how long it takes them to finish. If your little one is too small to read on their own, they would probably love to hear you read aloud to them.
A good way to add a creative twist to reading to small children is to take a picture book and ask them what the story is about based on the images. Alternatively, you can ask them to build their own tale using the pictures. Then, read the book aloud and talk about the similarities and differences between the stories.
Going Outside for Fresh Air
Some great parental advice for summer activities for a sick child is to not just focus on being indoors. Unless it’s raining or your area has poor air quality, there’s no reason why your child can’t sit outside. Since you still have to prevent them from being too active, you might sit your child down with a coloring book or another activity that keeps them calm.
Drawing or Coloring
Drawing or coloring can help your child relax. Coloring, in particular, has been shown to curb anxiety, so it could be an excellent choice if your child is struggling to sit still. You can also find activity books that combine drawing with word puzzles to keep your child entertained for a good while.
Playing Board Games
One classic piece of parental advice for summer activities is to invest in a few fun board games. With the variety of games available, you’re bound to find something that your child will enjoy. Board games can also encourage social skills by teaching children to wait their turn and to accept when another person wins.
Listening to a Podcast
Podcasts are not just for adults. Some podcasters make interesting content for children of all ages. This can be a good option if your child is tired but fussy and doesn’t want to sleep. A captivating podcast will allow them to rest without getting bored.
Watching a Movie
A movie can be a calming experience for children who are not feeling well. Turning on a favorite film in a dim room can help your child rest or even lull them to sleep.
Video Chatting
Children who are dealing with respiratory infections can’t spend time with their friends. They could easily spread the illness, and they might get overexcited and rowdy. Instead of having these friends over, however, your child can video chat with them. This will help your child feel less isolated while still keeping them from overexerting themselves.
Playing Video Games
Traditional parental advice for summer activities is usually to encourage children not to sit inside playing video games but to go outdoors instead. When your child is sick, however, video games can be a fun treat. A new game can keep your child entertained for hours at a time without moving around.
The best games are those that are calming, but anything that keeps your child resting is useful.
Getting Assistance From Newport Children’s Medical Group
If your child is struggling with breathing problems as summer vacation approaches, you can help by finding activities that will protect their respiratory health while they play. This is not an easy goal, however, especially if your little one loves to spend time outside playing sports.
For more advice about how to help your child avoid overexerting themselves this summer, contact Newport Children’s Medical Group. Our pediatric pulmonary services team provides the ongoing medical care your child needs, as well as guidance on how to address challenging issues like keeping them home when their friends are at the park or pool.
With our team by your side, you can find the right fun activities to keep your kids entertained this summer and preserve their respiratory health. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.