Safe Games and Activities for Children After Heart Surgery
March 15, 2007 by Lei
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Parents have a tough job no matter what but when their children have serious illnesses, it is an even greater challenge knowing when to be more protective and when to encourage the child to take a risk. For children who’ve undergone heart surgery, special care must be taken to allow their incision and sternum to heal. Fortunately, Cornell University has an information pamphlet for parents that is full of practical tips on how to go about everyday life – Taking Care of Your Child After Surgery.
Here’s what’s recommended for play time.
- Infants and toddlers – rattles, music and musical toys, pacifier, blanket, mobiles, bubbles, videos, books, and a soft touch (not sure what that means).
- Preschoolers – coloring books, Colorforms®, puzzles, playdough, LEGO, and glue projects with magazine pictures and construction paper
- School age children – read books, listen to books on tape, music, videos, using handheld video games, puzzles, board games, magazines, playdough, legos, puppet play, paper and markers, card games, and beading.
One of the hottest toys right now that I think would be fabulous for grade school kids to play with after surgery is Webkinz. They’re cuddly little furry creatures who also have an alter ego that children can interact with online. Children love them and it gives those who’re recuperating a chance to interact with other children in a safe environment. This is especially true for children who may not be able to play with peers face-to-face yet because of lagging energy or the need to keep exposure to contagious diseases to a minimum. For more about Webkinz, read this Washington Post article.
Have you any other games and activities to recommend for children after surgery?
NB: For more ideas on toys, books, and other things for all children, come visit me and Kerri Aldrich at Play Library!
Like this post? Why not read another? Every page you read at A Hearty Life in March is helping to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
Tags: toys, children, kids, heart surgery, games, play, webkinz, congenital heart defect, heart, heart disease, diseases, illness, health
