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A Bedtime Story for a Sick Day
Being sick is miserable for a small child, and also confusing. They feel bad, the day is different, they cannot go to school or the park, and everyone keeps telling them to rest. A calm, cozy story at bedtime helps make sense of the day and gets them ready for the sleep their body needs.
This story follows a child through an ordinary sick day at home: staying in pajamas, drinks and a blanket on the couch, quiet things, and lots of sleep, ending with the reassuring idea that bodies get better little by little. It is for ordinary colds and tummy bugs, not for anything that needs a doctor.
✨ Or make one starring your child, free in seconds ↓
What will happen, in order
- I don’t feel well
- I stay home and rest
- Drinks, blanket, quiet things
- Lots of sleep
- Feeling better, little by little
Read the steps together in the daytime, more than once. The free printable below has these steps at the top and the bedtime story underneath.
Ella’s Couch Day
A free story to read aloud tonight
When Ella woke up, her nose was stuffy and her throat felt scratchy, and her head felt heavy, like it was full of sand. Mom felt her forehead. “Hmm,” she said. “I think today is a stay-home day.”
So Ella didn’t get dressed. She stayed in her pajamas, the soft ones with stars. Mom made a nest on the couch with two pillows and the big fluffy blanket, and Ella climbed in with Bunny.
Mom brought her a cup of water with a bendy straw, and later some warm soup. “Your body is working very hard to get better,” said Mom. “It needs lots of drinks and lots of rest.” Ella sipped her water. Her body didn’t feel like it was working. It felt like it was sleeping.
They did quiet things. Mom read three books. Ella did a sticker book. She watched one show and then dozed off in the middle of it, and when she woke up the sun had moved all the way across the room.
At bedtime, Ella still had a stuffy nose. “Am I better yet?” she asked. “A little bit,” said Mom. “Bodies get better little by little. Every sleep helps.” She put a glass of water by the bed and tucked Bunny under Ella’s arm.
Ella closed her eyes. Her body felt warm and heavy and ready for sleep. And while she slept, all night long, her body kept working, quietly, making her a little bit better, so that in the morning her throat didn’t feel quite so scratchy anymore.
How do I keep a sick child comfortable at home?
Plenty of fluids, rest, a cozy spot on the couch and quiet activities like books, puzzles or audio stories are what most children need for ordinary colds and tummy bugs. Always follow your pediatrician’s advice, and call them if you are worried, if a fever is high or lasts, or if your child is not drinking.
When should I call the doctor for a sick child?
Your pediatrician’s office is the right place to ask, and many have a nurse line for exactly this question. Trust your instincts: if your child seems very unwell, is struggling to breathe, is not drinking or is unusually sleepy and hard to wake, get medical help.