Here are some ideas for a child needing things to do in hospital or a child who may be stuck at home due to treatment:
CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTS:
Child Life on Call:
FREE GIFTS
Child Life Specialists are healthcare professionals who help children through the process of an intense event such as cancer or hospitalization. Many hospitals have child life specialists frequently available. They can be a huge support for the child and family. They can help to keep kids busy and entertained, and can also provide resources to help parents, caregivers, and children to cope with illness, diagnosis, or medical procedures. Child Life on Call is an organization that can provide virtual visits with child life specialists. They have a podcast, a blog, a free library of resources, and a Child Life on Call app. They also offer a free parent starter kit which is available to download.
VIRTUAL CLASSES:
There may be opportunities for your child to attend online classes (including some free classes) such as art classes, painting, drama, music, and more!
Here are some links to explore:
Kids Kicking Cancer – The Heroes Circle Program
https://kidskickingcancer.ca/program/
The Heroes Circle Program provides children facing cancer the opportunity to relieve stress and learn a new skill through free martial arts therapy classes (both in-person and virtual).
Activity Hero
GoNoodle (free)
Online videos, activities, and blog posts about many areas such as science, math, cooking, music, nature, and adventure. Kids can watch short 1-5 minute videos to learn about topics of interest, and then do an activity to test their knowledge about what they learned.
Create&Learn (free)
https://www.create-learn.us/kidsevents
Skillshare
Blue Balloon School
https://www.blueballoonschool.com/
Virtual music and songwriting lessons!
Child’s Life
https://childslife.ca/events/category/virtual-events/
VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS OR VACATIONS:
FREE GIFTS
There are many websites that provide virtual tours or vacations to various places. Here are some articles with links to explore:
- https://www.braintumour.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Virtual-Vacations-EN.pdf
- https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/take-the-kids-on-a-virtual-field-trip/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/a32403098/virtual-field-trips-for-kids/
- https://tourlit.com/
- https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/best-virtual-tours-for-kids-and-students/
VIRTUAL or DIY GAME ACTIVITIES:
Knee Bouncers:
With Knee Bouncers, find both free and paid memberships featuring hundreds of educational and exciting online games, colouring sheets, music, and interactive videos!
Escape Room:
https://escape-kit.com/en/how-to-create-an-house-escape-room/
Scavenger Hunt:
https://www.thespruce.com/indoor-treasure-hunt-for-children-1695332
Let’s Roam:
https://www.letsroam.com/roam_from_home/families
https://www.letsroam.com/activities/virtual_birthday_party
Let’s Roam has many fun virtual indoor and outdoor activities. They have scavenger
hunts, Virtual Game Nights, Virtual Escape Room. Let’s Roam also has virtual birthday parties that kids can help plan. This is a great way to help children feel special on their birthday even if they are in hospital.
The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada:
https://www.braintumour.ca/virtual-pediatric-and-family-support/
FREE GIFTS
The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has created a section of their website that has various resources for cancer patients. Part of this includes many fun activities that are free to download. Some include scavenger hunts, a memory game and educational activities.
More Virtual Activity Ideas:
Here are some more links with ideas for fun activities or experiences:
- Busy Toddler
https://www.instagram.com/busytoddler?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Educational professional Susie Allison, founder of Busy Toddler, offers a number of ideas when it comes to children’s gifts and boredom breakers. Find wonderful ways to surprise your loved ones with activities and goods themed for every holiday throughout the year!
- Ability Online
https://newabilityonline.org/about-the-program/
Looking for a safe space to chat with others facing similar challenges? Ability Online provides monitored forums, discussion platforms, games and activities catered to building meaningful relationships and inclusiveness.