If you have been schooling for any length of time this has probably come up. What do you do when you are too sick to have a regular homeschool day?

• Having a schedule in place is critical for these times. If the children are used to routine then they can keep on doing the next thing, with you supervising from the couch. It can be a lifesaver, especially with the older kids. You can have them do their next assignment and put it aside for checking later.
• Younger children? Ask family and friends to help out.
• Take them to a fellow homeschooler’s home for the day. It’s a good opportunity for them to see what other homeschooling families do.
• Keep a “sick day” box or list together. It can be a lifesaver, filled with a movie, dress-up clothes, or other low-clutter items that will keep them busy. It will seem like Christmas!
• List things for a scavenger hunt.
• Have them take turns being mommy’s helper, fetching anything you might need.
• Have them do school in the room with you so you are available.
• Get out the board games, or any quiet game they can play together.
• Get your playpen ready for the babies and let the other children help entertain them.
• Have the kids write a song or a play and perform it for you.
• Use it as an opportunity for them to pray for you, and any other sick people that come to mind.
• Have them make you a get well card.
• Set a timer and have them do light housework in small spurts, like folding laundry or washing windows.
• See who can be the quietest. Offer a prize at the end of the day.
• Have the older children plan the evening meal. Have them make menus cook and serve those eating.
• Older children can research and develop a plan of care for a person in your condition. Simple research and writing skills can uncover a wealth of information, including alternative treatments.
• Have the children read aloud to you.

Other ideas? Post a comment. This is far from an exhaustive list!