20 Ways to connect with your kids...From your bed.

Whether you find yourself stuck in bed due to bed rest during pregnancy, recovery from surgery, or a chronic pain condition...mothering from bed is never ideal.

When I found myself stuck in bed for a very long time recovering from my back surgery and other chronic conditions... I learned to get creative about finding ways to stay connected with my kids.

Here is a list of activities that can be done from the comfort of your bed. They may not apply to all ages, but many can be adapted to meet your needs.

1. Read Stories....Keep a stash of Library books that they have not seen or read before. It will be a special time of surprise and discovery.
2. Play computer or some kind of video game. While, this may not usually be your cup of tea, it may just make your kid's day. There are free games to play on PBSKids.org or you can let your little gamer tutor you on how to play their favorite game.
3. Sometimes when you are really down and out listening to music and snuggling together is your best option. I have sweet memories of sharing my ipod head phones with my little 20 month old after my surgery. If you are too wiped out to read out loud you can always listen to books-- plenty of tape, CD's and MP3's to choose from either from your Library or itunes.
4. Keep a box of puzzles by your bed.
5. Crochet, Knit or Embroider something together. This may be the perfect time to learn how to do one of these crafts, or to teach your little one. For little hands you can "practice sewing" with sewing cards or stringing wooden beads or wooden spools.
6. Do a little Bible Study together. Read a Bible verse and talk about what it means.
7. Eat cookies and milk together. Sometimes enjoying a sweet treat with Mommy in bed is just the bonding you need.
8. Write letters and make cards for people you love.
9. Turn family photos into silly pictures via online photo editing tools or aps on your phone. Enjoy the giggles!
10. Give each other pedicures and foot rubs. (If you have to stay laying down have your kid lay in the opposite direction so their feet are where you can reach.) Or have someone come and help you with the pedicures.
11. Practice flash cards or play a card game.
12. Color and draw pictures together. You can try to color an entire coloring book from start to finish.
13. Write stories and poems together. Or play Mad Libs.
14. Help your little entrepreneur plan their first business. Help them come up with ideas (lemonade, selling crafts, yard work etc) Then create a business plan that includes start up costs, advertising ideas, supplies and prices for merchandise.
15. Bring out a treasure box of keepsakes from your childhood and tell stories and memories about the contents. Or get out your old year book if you dare!
16. Learn a language together. Research the country and plan your dream trip just in case you visit that place  together some day.
17. Draw letters, shapes and words on each other's back and try to guess what the other person wrote.
18. Look through old family photo albums. Learn about your family history and research online about what it would be like to live in that time.
19. Play Barbies or Action Figures with your kids. They will love it!
20. Get ready for Christmas..No matter what time of year it is... it is never too early to get ready for Christmas. Use this time to plan a special holiday celebration, meal or party (pick any holiday.) Make Christmas presents, ornaments or sign the Christmas cards well in advance. Let your kids help you write your Christmas letter. You can address them and stuff the envelopes. Then when Christmas finally does roll around you will be ready and your child will feel ownership and part of the process.