Get Well Hugs!

When someone you love is sick it can be hard to be far away, and unable to do anything to help them in their difficulty.

It can be tough to live far away from people we love. Often times there are new and fun adventures and special new friends to be made, but we may still miss a favorite Aunt, or Grandpa or a best friend.

It can be especially hard when someone we care about is unwell and we are unable to be with them! When a loved one is unhealthy we want to be the first to help them out with cooking, cleaning, errands or doctors visits. We want to bring them flowers and give them hugs and cuddles. Not being able to do anything can leave us feeling guilty and not being able to see our loved one face-to-face in order to better understand the situation can make us feel extra worried.

Kids need a way to express their love and concern. Something to do that allows them to talk about their feelings, and worries.

Use this craft as an opportunity to talk with your kiddo, and a way for them to show their love and support to their friend or family who miss unwell.

Supplies:

• Paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Coloring pens for writing a message

Instructions:

Begin by laying the paper in the landscape direction. Fold the two end to meet in the middle (see the first photo).

Cut out the heart and two strips of paper for the arms.

Fold the strips in an accordion motion and glue to the back of the heart.

Glue the hands to the other end of the accordian folded strips, and add your own personalized get-well message to the card.

Fold up your card and send it to your loved ones! If it’s impossible to mail to them, no worries! Take a photo of your creation and send it via email or message.

Before you begin…

Use this opportunity to talk with your kiddo about how he is feeling about his loved one being unwell.

• “When you think about Grandma being unwell, how does that make you feel?”
• “What would you like to do to help Aunt Sarah feel better?”
• “Do you have questions about what it means that Joey is sick?”
• “What would help you feel less worried about Grandpa?”
• “How do you think we can show cousin Alice that we love her and are praying for her?”

As you create your card, strike up a relaxed conversation allowing space for your kiddo to share. Ask open ended questions, don’t be afraid of silence or tears, or fears. Allow them to express their feelings openly without criticism and then offer to pray with them both for their loved one, and for their own big feelings too.