Keeping your child (or yourself) occupied while vesting

R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
<P>I've read a few comments on FB lately from parents having problems keeping their children occupied while vesting or doing cpt.  So I thought I'd start a topic where we can post what seems to work best  to make time seem to go faster during treatments with little or no stress.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>We were fortunate when DS was an infant that his "beatments" actually calmed him and he'd fall asleep or sleep thru it.  I had friends whose children weren't diagnosed until they were older and until they got the vest -- cpt was a constant struggle.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>As he got older, he would sometimes get restless.  Unfortunately we found out that Barney -- evil purple dinosaur -- would keep him occupied.  It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows by any means.  Sometimes he would just be so overly tired or being interested in doing something else that he'd throw a total fit.   One 4th of July we had an entire room filled with his older cousins and their friends singing different verses of Old McDonald while we did CPT and nebs.  Sometimes he'd cry, I'd cry and we'd tell ourselves "oh well, screaming helps the medication get into the lungs further".</P>
<P> </P>
<P>We've watched DVDs with the volume cranked.  Worn out numerous portable dvd players.  Barney evolved into Spongebob, which is still a favorite.  Discovered DVR and On-Demand on cable to ensure we'd be able to watch favorites at anytime.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>A few years ago DH suggested getting an xbox 360.  Now who in their right mind buys a 4 year old an xbox?!  But once ds figured out Lego Starwars and other lego games online and we'd only allow him to play during vesting, he'd actually ASK when he could do treatments.  We've found that Wii doesn't seem to work as well for him.  The controller seems to be a tad sensitive and he gets easily frustrated.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>We've done a fair amount of reading.  Sometimes it depends upon the font and how much he shakes.  So I usually will have to hold the book for him.  But we read about mummies, aliens, the Titanic and lately -- zombies!</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Last Fall DH got an Ipad and DS discovered Angry Birds and other apps which have kept him occupied.  Prior to that my laptop and computer games from the Cartoon Network and Disney sites have kept him entertained.  The other night he discovered he could play angry birds on my computer.   Anyway, he's always looking for a new app, new game -- we refuse to share with him the password to download apps, which could be very dangerous financiallly...  <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">  But we're always interested in finding new games.  Last week he discovered an Ispy kind of game called Doorways of the Mind...</P>
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
<P>I've read a few comments on FB lately from parents having problems keeping their children occupied while vesting or doing cpt. So I thought I'd start a topic where we can post what seems to work best to make time seem to go faster during treatments with little or no stress.</P>
<P></P>
<P>We were fortunate when DS was an infant that his "beatments" actually calmed him and he'd fall asleep or sleep thru it. I had friends whose children weren't diagnosed until they were older and until they got the vest -- cpt was a constant struggle.</P>
<P></P>
<P>As he got older, he would sometimes get restless. Unfortunately we found out that Barney -- evil purple dinosaur -- would keep him occupied. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows by any means. Sometimes he would just be so overly tired or being interested in doing something else that he'd throw a total fit. One 4th of July we had an entire room filled with his older cousins and their friends singing different verses of Old McDonald while we did CPT and nebs. Sometimes he'd cry, I'd cry and we'd tell ourselves "oh well, screaming helps the medication get into the lungs further".</P>
<P></P>
<P>We've watched DVDs with the volume cranked. Worn out numerous portable dvd players. Barney evolved into Spongebob, which is still a favorite. Discovered DVR and On-Demand on cable to ensure we'd be able to watch favorites at anytime.</P>
<P></P>
<P>A few years ago DH suggested getting an xbox 360. Now who in their right mind buys a 4 year old an xbox?! But once ds figured out Lego Starwars and other lego games online and we'd only allow him to play during vesting, he'd actually ASK when he could do treatments. We've found that Wii doesn't seem to work as well for him. The controller seems to be a tad sensitive and he gets easily frustrated.</P>
<P></P>
<P>We've done a fair amount of reading. Sometimes it depends upon the font and how much he shakes. So I usually will have to hold the book for him. But we read about mummies, aliens, the Titanic and lately -- zombies!</P>
<P></P>
<P>Last Fall DH got an Ipad and DS discovered Angry Birds and other apps which have kept him occupied. Prior to that my laptop and computer games from the Cartoon Network and Disney sites have kept him entertained. The other night he discovered he could play angry birds on my computer.Anyway, he's always looking for a new app, new game -- we refuse to share with him the password to download apps, which could be very dangerous financiallly... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> But we're always interested in finding new games. Last week he discovered an Ispy kind of game called Doorways of the Mind...</P>
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
<P>I've read a few comments on FB lately from parents having problems keeping their children occupied while vesting or doing cpt. So I thought I'd start a topic where we can post what seems to work best to make time seem to go faster during treatments with little or no stress.</P>
<P></P>
<P>We were fortunate when DS was an infant that his "beatments" actually calmed him and he'd fall asleep or sleep thru it. I had friends whose children weren't diagnosed until they were older and until they got the vest -- cpt was a constant struggle.</P>
<P></P>
<P>As he got older, he would sometimes get restless. Unfortunately we found out that Barney -- evil purple dinosaur -- would keep him occupied. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows by any means. Sometimes he would just be so overly tired or being interested in doing something else that he'd throw a total fit. One 4th of July we had an entire room filled with his older cousins and their friends singing different verses of Old McDonald while we did CPT and nebs. Sometimes he'd cry, I'd cry and we'd tell ourselves "oh well, screaming helps the medication get into the lungs further".</P>
<P></P>
<P>We've watched DVDs with the volume cranked. Worn out numerous portable dvd players. Barney evolved into Spongebob, which is still a favorite. Discovered DVR and On-Demand on cable to ensure we'd be able to watch favorites at anytime.</P>
<P></P>
<P>A few years ago DH suggested getting an xbox 360. Now who in their right mind buys a 4 year old an xbox?! But once ds figured out Lego Starwars and other lego games online and we'd only allow him to play during vesting, he'd actually ASK when he could do treatments. We've found that Wii doesn't seem to work as well for him. The controller seems to be a tad sensitive and he gets easily frustrated.</P>
<P></P>
<P>We've done a fair amount of reading. Sometimes it depends upon the font and how much he shakes. So I usually will have to hold the book for him. But we read about mummies, aliens, the Titanic and lately -- zombies!</P>
<P></P>
<P>Last Fall DH got an Ipad and DS discovered Angry Birds and other apps which have kept him occupied. Prior to that my laptop and computer games from the Cartoon Network and Disney sites have kept him entertained. The other night he discovered he could play angry birds on my computer.Anyway, he's always looking for a new app, new game -- we refuse to share with him the password to download apps, which could be very dangerous financiallly... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> But we're always interested in finding new games. Last week he discovered an Ispy kind of game called Doorways of the Mind...</P>
 
R

Rebjane

Super Moderator
I find it amazing what can be done while vesting. TV had been a big one; course sometimes I feel like the sound of the TV and VEST is soo loud together. At night, when the kids are in bed; the volume of the TV is so low my husband complains he can't hear it; but I prefer it that way.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

Coloring, drawing, playing cards(all kinds of card games. my daughter is a good poker player), reads books;(don't know how she can stand that). Computer stuff, when she was really sick this winter she emailed her aunt and cousins ALOT just for something to do cause she was ALWAYS vesting.

Recently; my son set up SKYPE so my daughter could skype her cousins while nebbing and vesting; they all love it.

She also eats while vesting( I know this is bad for aspiration risk) so I don't suggest it but she does do it.

She has a friend the other day who said "I LOVE sitting next to you while you wear your vest". I thought that was really sweet.

I tend to DVR stuff on tv so there is something good; just in case.

There are tons of computer websites she likes; though it comes in waves. Club Penguin, stuff like that and again when she was really sick this winter and hated taking her medicine I got her a membership to a website if she took her yucky medicine(the member ship lasts for a month at a time.

Good topic!
 
R

Rebjane

Super Moderator
I find it amazing what can be done while vesting. TV had been a big one; course sometimes I feel like the sound of the TV and VEST is soo loud together. At night, when the kids are in bed; the volume of the TV is so low my husband complains he can't hear it; but I prefer it that way.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

Coloring, drawing, playing cards(all kinds of card games. my daughter is a good poker player), reads books;(don't know how she can stand that). Computer stuff, when she was really sick this winter she emailed her aunt and cousins ALOT just for something to do cause she was ALWAYS vesting.

Recently; my son set up SKYPE so my daughter could skype her cousins while nebbing and vesting; they all love it.

She also eats while vesting( I know this is bad for aspiration risk) so I don't suggest it but she does do it.

She has a friend the other day who said "I LOVE sitting next to you while you wear your vest". I thought that was really sweet.

I tend to DVR stuff on tv so there is something good; just in case.

There are tons of computer websites she likes; though it comes in waves. Club Penguin, stuff like that and again when she was really sick this winter and hated taking her medicine I got her a membership to a website if she took her yucky medicine(the member ship lasts for a month at a time.

Good topic!
 
R

Rebjane

Super Moderator
I find it amazing what can be done while vesting. TV had been a big one; course sometimes I feel like the sound of the TV and VEST is soo loud together. At night, when the kids are in bed; the volume of the TV is so low my husband complains he can't hear it; but I prefer it that way.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />Coloring, drawing, playing cards(all kinds of card games. my daughter is a good poker player), reads books;(don't know how she can stand that). Computer stuff, when she was really sick this winter she emailed her aunt and cousins ALOT just for something to do cause she was ALWAYS vesting.
<br />
<br />Recently; my son set up SKYPE so my daughter could skype her cousins while nebbing and vesting; they all love it.
<br />
<br />She also eats while vesting( I know this is bad for aspiration risk) so I don't suggest it but she does do it.
<br />
<br />She has a friend the other day who said "I LOVE sitting next to you while you wear your vest". I thought that was really sweet.
<br />
<br />I tend to DVR stuff on tv so there is something good; just in case.
<br />
<br />There are tons of computer websites she likes; though it comes in waves. Club Penguin, stuff like that and again when she was really sick this winter and hated taking her medicine I got her a membership to a website if she took her yucky medicine(the member ship lasts for a month at a time.
<br />
<br />Good topic!
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
DS eats as well.

My inlaws gave us a set of wireless headphones. They work fine, but we never think to use them. Guess we're used to the noise.

And one of us always keeps DS company during his vesting. I usually read my kindle or check email on my laptop. DH either uses the Ipad or if DS is using it watches the History or Military channel
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
DS eats as well.

My inlaws gave us a set of wireless headphones. They work fine, but we never think to use them. Guess we're used to the noise.

And one of us always keeps DS company during his vesting. I usually read my kindle or check email on my laptop. DH either uses the Ipad or if DS is using it watches the History or Military channel
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
DS eats as well.
<br />
<br />My inlaws gave us a set of wireless headphones. They work fine, but we never think to use them. Guess we're used to the noise.
<br />
<br />And one of us always keeps DS company during his vesting. I usually read my kindle or check email on my laptop. DH either uses the Ipad or if DS is using it watches the History or Military channel
 
I

izemmom

New member
We also watch TV, and DVR changed our lives for the better! Now there is ALWAYS something Emily wants to watch. I agree on the noise, but we are just used to it, I guess. Emily watches lots of Disney Channel, PBS shows (WHY did they have to take FETCH off the air?!?!?!) and the occasional Nick jr. show.

We try to read, but it gets akward holding the book, the nebulizer cup, keeping the hoses out of the way, etc.

Lately Emily has been using the laptop while vesting - she likes StarFall and JumpStart, but again, since she still uses the mask (no strap) for one of her meds it is clumsy.

Now that part of the time is hands-free (she uses the mouthpiece for HTS) her dad or I will sometimes have something else to occupy us while we sit with her. I've been doing my reading for class this summer while she vests, or I play with my phone (Usually use it as my FB time!) - her dad uses his Zune or I-pod to occupy himself.

We have, at times, tried to play games like connect 4, but it's never ideal for that.

Liza - I think your treatment times probably look a lot like ours!!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
I

izemmom

New member
We also watch TV, and DVR changed our lives for the better! Now there is ALWAYS something Emily wants to watch. I agree on the noise, but we are just used to it, I guess. Emily watches lots of Disney Channel, PBS shows (WHY did they have to take FETCH off the air?!?!?!) and the occasional Nick jr. show.

We try to read, but it gets akward holding the book, the nebulizer cup, keeping the hoses out of the way, etc.

Lately Emily has been using the laptop while vesting - she likes StarFall and JumpStart, but again, since she still uses the mask (no strap) for one of her meds it is clumsy.

Now that part of the time is hands-free (she uses the mouthpiece for HTS) her dad or I will sometimes have something else to occupy us while we sit with her. I've been doing my reading for class this summer while she vests, or I play with my phone (Usually use it as my FB time!) - her dad uses his Zune or I-pod to occupy himself.

We have, at times, tried to play games like connect 4, but it's never ideal for that.

Liza - I think your treatment times probably look a lot like ours!!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
I

izemmom

New member
We also watch TV, and DVR changed our lives for the better! Now there is ALWAYS something Emily wants to watch. I agree on the noise, but we are just used to it, I guess. Emily watches lots of Disney Channel, PBS shows (WHY did they have to take FETCH off the air?!?!?!) and the occasional Nick jr. show.
<br />
<br />We try to read, but it gets akward holding the book, the nebulizer cup, keeping the hoses out of the way, etc.
<br />
<br />Lately Emily has been using the laptop while vesting - she likes StarFall and JumpStart, but again, since she still uses the mask (no strap) for one of her meds it is clumsy.
<br />
<br />Now that part of the time is hands-free (she uses the mouthpiece for HTS) her dad or I will sometimes have something else to occupy us while we sit with her. I've been doing my reading for class this summer while she vests, or I play with my phone (Usually use it as my FB time!) - her dad uses his Zune or I-pod to occupy himself.
<br />
<br />We have, at times, tried to play games like connect 4, but it's never ideal for that.
<br />
<br />Liza - I think your treatment times probably look a lot like ours!!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
 
S

Stillgoing

New member
Jigsaw puzzles are a current favorite at our house. Lauren has loved puzzles since she was a baby so they were a natural. We find that if we are next to her doing puzzles together it is easier to prompt her to take a deep breath or do a strong huff cough.

Before she started using the vest, we would watch TV together. But adding the noise of the TV to that of the vest and the nebulizer/compressor was too much for us.

We let her play Wii games for awhile, but stopped when we saw that she was concentrating on the Wii so hard that her tongue was in the nebulizer mouthpiece. We joked with her that we didn't need to breath in her medicine, but it really wasn't a joke.

During the school year Lauren will do her homework during her treatment time. She just finished 4th grade so she doesn't have too much homework yet.

She also loves to read. I'm not sure how she can read while being jiggled by the vest. I have a hard time reading while sitting next to her. She manages somehow.

Love reading all these ideas!

Kathleen
 
S

Stillgoing

New member
Jigsaw puzzles are a current favorite at our house. Lauren has loved puzzles since she was a baby so they were a natural. We find that if we are next to her doing puzzles together it is easier to prompt her to take a deep breath or do a strong huff cough.

Before she started using the vest, we would watch TV together. But adding the noise of the TV to that of the vest and the nebulizer/compressor was too much for us.

We let her play Wii games for awhile, but stopped when we saw that she was concentrating on the Wii so hard that her tongue was in the nebulizer mouthpiece. We joked with her that we didn't need to breath in her medicine, but it really wasn't a joke.

During the school year Lauren will do her homework during her treatment time. She just finished 4th grade so she doesn't have too much homework yet.

She also loves to read. I'm not sure how she can read while being jiggled by the vest. I have a hard time reading while sitting next to her. She manages somehow.

Love reading all these ideas!

Kathleen
 
S

Stillgoing

New member
Jigsaw puzzles are a current favorite at our house. Lauren has loved puzzles since she was a baby so they were a natural. We find that if we are next to her doing puzzles together it is easier to prompt her to take a deep breath or do a strong huff cough.
<br />
<br />Before she started using the vest, we would watch TV together. But adding the noise of the TV to that of the vest and the nebulizer/compressor was too much for us.
<br />
<br />We let her play Wii games for awhile, but stopped when we saw that she was concentrating on the Wii so hard that her tongue was in the nebulizer mouthpiece. We joked with her that we didn't need to breath in her medicine, but it really wasn't a joke.
<br />
<br />During the school year Lauren will do her homework during her treatment time. She just finished 4th grade so she doesn't have too much homework yet.
<br />
<br />She also loves to read. I'm not sure how she can read while being jiggled by the vest. I have a hard time reading while sitting next to her. She manages somehow.
<br />
<br />Love reading all these ideas!
<br />
<br />Kathleen
<br />
<br />
<br />
 
P

pipersmom

New member
Piper's most frequent activity is reading. She also loves the American Girl craft kits- right now she's working on a sewing one that makes stuffed animals! How she can sew or read with that thing going is beyond me, but it works for her. We're also in the card game habit, lately it's been Milles Bourne or Uno. Occasionally she'll borrow my kindle, or play on her DS. No wireless internet or smartphones here, but when she's in the hospital her netbook is a favorite!

Tami- I didn't realize Fetch was off the air, that was Piper's fave until we lost it with the digital conversion stuff- we can't get PBS in anymore! I don't think I'll tell her, she'll be bummed out!
 
P

pipersmom

New member
Piper's most frequent activity is reading. She also loves the American Girl craft kits- right now she's working on a sewing one that makes stuffed animals! How she can sew or read with that thing going is beyond me, but it works for her. We're also in the card game habit, lately it's been Milles Bourne or Uno. Occasionally she'll borrow my kindle, or play on her DS. No wireless internet or smartphones here, but when she's in the hospital her netbook is a favorite!

Tami- I didn't realize Fetch was off the air, that was Piper's fave until we lost it with the digital conversion stuff- we can't get PBS in anymore! I don't think I'll tell her, she'll be bummed out!
 
P

pipersmom

New member
Piper's most frequent activity is reading. She also loves the American Girl craft kits- right now she's working on a sewing one that makes stuffed animals! How she can sew or read with that thing going is beyond me, but it works for her. We're also in the card game habit, lately it's been Milles Bourne or Uno. Occasionally she'll borrow my kindle, or play on her DS. No wireless internet or smartphones here, but when she's in the hospital her netbook is a favorite!
<br />
<br />Tami- I didn't realize Fetch was off the air, that was Piper's fave until we lost it with the digital conversion stuff- we can't get PBS in anymore! I don't think I'll tell her, she'll be bummed out!
 
K

kellyga

New member
My daughter has been doing CPT with no issues since she was 2 weeks old. She got her vest in January, and we were really worried that she would hate it. She did great, no problems converting. She always liked to watch her favorite show while doing the vest, and we sat with her and made it a special time for us. Then all of a sudden a couple of months ago, she decided to rebel. It was very stressful, lots of yelling, frustration, etc. She was missing whole sessions of her treatment for the first time because after hours of arguing, we would give up. So much drama!

She is only 3, so I wasn't sure what would work, if anything, but I decided to try computer time. She had never used a computer or operated a mouse, so there was a little bit of time where she had to learn. In the end, we put the pbs kids and nick jr games in front of her and it worked! She went back to 100% compliance with no arguing. Now the only time she is allowed computer time is when she is vesting. I'm sure at some point we will have to find a new thing again, but for now it works!
 
K

kellyga

New member
My daughter has been doing CPT with no issues since she was 2 weeks old. She got her vest in January, and we were really worried that she would hate it. She did great, no problems converting. She always liked to watch her favorite show while doing the vest, and we sat with her and made it a special time for us. Then all of a sudden a couple of months ago, she decided to rebel. It was very stressful, lots of yelling, frustration, etc. She was missing whole sessions of her treatment for the first time because after hours of arguing, we would give up. So much drama!

She is only 3, so I wasn't sure what would work, if anything, but I decided to try computer time. She had never used a computer or operated a mouse, so there was a little bit of time where she had to learn. In the end, we put the pbs kids and nick jr games in front of her and it worked! She went back to 100% compliance with no arguing. Now the only time she is allowed computer time is when she is vesting. I'm sure at some point we will have to find a new thing again, but for now it works!
 
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