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Cheering-up bed ridden teen

14 replies

summerdown · 05/09/2019 15:00

Dnephew (15) is having an operation in a few weeks and will be on bed rest for 6 weeks or so. He probably won't feel ill after the first week or so - it's an operation on his leg. Any ideas to cheer him up and help out his mum too? He'll have school work to do but he's generally active so will be pretty miserable. My dc are similar ages and live close by. They're close to their cousin so keen to help cheer him up too. All suggestions gratefully received!

OP posts:
TreacherousPissFlap · 05/09/2019 16:17

Cards Against Humanity is a big hit with DS and his friends when they're not in adult company

I know some people will be horrified by allowing a 15yo to play, but we removed some of the dodgier cards and there is always much laughter Wink

tryingtobebetterallthetime · 05/09/2019 16:31

You can get magnetic versions of some board games. They are meant for travel but work for someone in bed. Also, getting him a tray (a big one) used for meals in bed would facilitate playing cards etc. For when he doesn't have visitors, a laptop or tablet with a long charging cable would help pass the time.

Ricekrispie22 · 05/09/2019 17:56

Do your Dc have a pet which they could take to visit him?
Get him a few packs of playing cards so he can learn card tricks on YouTube.
He could help build Wikipedia by editing or starting any topic which he is knowledgeable or interested in.

summerdown · 06/09/2019 22:09

Thanks some good suggestions- I’m going to get Cards against Humanity. I’m
Not sure he (or my dc) are the board game types, they are definitely the kick a football and throw things type - but they’ll have to adapt.

The pets idea is a good one, but we don’t have any any and he has lots!

Any other ideas welcome.

OP posts:
SunshineDays2019 · 06/09/2019 22:21

If he has access to a TV, his phone and an Xbox, he'll be fine for a few weeks. I don't think many teens play board games Smile

fairynick · 06/09/2019 22:26

He night laugh in your face with this one but when my sister was bed ridden she felt tired in the way that you do when you spend all day in bed and so found it difficult to concentrate on films etc. She loved those adult colouring books because they’re so mindless.

squeakyheart · 06/09/2019 22:31

If he's quite active and sporty maybe some weights or exercise bands for arm exercises?

milliefiori · 06/09/2019 22:36

What about one of those silly indoor ball games where your head with a velcro helmet on is the goal?

ScarletAnemone · 06/09/2019 22:56

This neat little stand is brilliant for watching things on a tablet while you’re bedridden

www.amazon.co.uk/AFUNTA-Adjustable-Portable-Foldable-Bathroom/dp/B00VE419N8?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

SamBeckett · 06/09/2019 23:10

Magnetic or real dart board sets.
Are there any young DCs ? Could he write stories for them or for his own amusement.
I would buy him a decent note book and a pad of plain paper along with coloured and ordinary pencils. He may not use them much at first but few people can resist doodling and making random list and writing thoughts down.
I don't know if you can still buy them but foil etchings were very popular a few years ago.
A book on origami

SamBeckett · 06/09/2019 23:15

Jigsaw you would have have to get a large tray or a piece of wood for him to make it on

Mosaic123 · 06/09/2019 23:26

Tray with beanbag base. Hood on a bed.

Flamingo84 · 06/09/2019 23:33

Now TV sports pass if he’s into football etc.
Audiobooks, you can claim free ones on audible.
Mini metal Star Wars model kits. Range for £8-£12 www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-R2-D2-Puzzle/dp/B07CF4H45W?tag=mumsnetforu03-21
3D jigsaws
Lego (superhero/film ones can be on offer for £15)
Retro games consoles are all the rage and can be picked up for reasonable prices, something for all the kids (and adults!) to join in with.

Ricekrispie22 · 07/09/2019 07:49

Airfix Kits
Metal Earth models
Origami (my DH did this Star Wars one) www.whsmith.co.uk/products/star-wars-origami-36-amazing-paperfolding-projects-from-a-galaxy-far-f/chris-alexander/paperback/9780761169437.html
Addictaball Maze
Bop It
3D jigsaw puzzle www.brightminds.co.uk/products/3d-puzzle-wembley

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