One of the challenges of being a parent is taking care of children when they are sick. Here are some imaginative ways to take the strain off Mom and Dad when children are sick in bed.

Communication and Monitoring

    To monitor a bedridden child without an intercom system: If your child is old enough, use a pair of inexpensive two-way radios to keep in touch as you work around the house. Your child keeps one at the bedside to call you when you’re needed. You keep the other one with you to check on the child periodically.

Thermos cooler: Keep cool water handy by filling a thermos or other insulated beverage container with cold or ice water and placing it near the bed. The water stays cool and convenient for you to serve your child. If you’re dealing with an older child, set the container near enough that the child can serve him/herself.

Sanitary can: If your child’s symptoms include stomach upset, you’ll want a handy throw-away container. Thoroughly clean a large, empty can (a 3-pound shortening can, coffee can, etc.). Place a large, heavy, self-sealing plastic bag inside the can. Pull the top edges of the open bag up and over the edge of the can. Keep this at the child’s bedside.

Cardboard box lap table: You can make a lap table handy for eating, as well as doing homework, coloring or playing in bed. Cut a sufficiently large cardboard box so that it’s just the right height for your child to eat or write in bed. Cut half circles from the long sides of the box so that the box fits comfortably over the child’s legs. Cover the box/lap table with cheerful Contact paper.

Fun and Tempting Food Ideas

Muffin Tin Server: Try serving your child’s meal in a muffin tin. It makes foods easier to manage for your bedridden child and easier for you to carry from the kitchen. Nest a small beverage glass in one muffin tin compartment and small portions of tempting foods in the other compartments.

Pear clown: Set two canned pear halves together to form a whole. Place a sugar cone over the smaller end of the pear to hold the pear halves together and form the clown’s hat. Use whole cloves for the clown’s eyes; cut a sliver of maraschino cherry to form the clown’s mouth. Add shredded cheese “hair.”

Fruitsicles: Make popsicles from a large (28 ounce) can of fruit. Add corn syrup to sweeten the fruit, if needed. Puree the fruit in a blender. Pour the fruit mixture into paper cups. (Small 4-oz. cups work best for smaller children. Use 6- or 8-oz. cups for older children.) Invert a popsicle stick in the center of each cup of fruit. Freeze until firm. Peel off the cup to serve.

Licorice straws: Hollow-centered red or black licorice makes a sweet, flexible straw to tempt children to drink the liquids they need.