Many of the Jiffy Amusements described in the preceding chapter will prove to be handy stop-gaps for the bedspread entertainment of irritable patients or bored housebound children. Here again the ability to improvise rapidly, plus the application of liberal imaginative effects will do much to prolong juvenile interest. When the patient is nursed at home, more time and varied materials will be available. It is a recognized fact that anything which will amuse or interest a sick or nervous patient will aid in recovery. Indeed, in some cases, the physician may advise that recovery itself is dependent upon keeping the child quietly diverted.

Before examining the possibilities of restrained entertainment, however, a word or two concerning the sickroom itself may be in order. The doctor will probably rule upon the matter of light during and immediately after illness, when the eyes are often temporarily weakened. Later, it often helps to amuse the patient if the bed is near a window overlooking some frequented area, provided there is no danger from drafts. In the matter of artificial light, a bridge lamp is invaluable because it is adjustable and requires no table space.

Much confusion among bedside medical impedimenta can be avoided by turning a shallow cardboard box upside down, and cutting holes to fit the various bottles and glasses so that they will not overturn or rattle on slight provocation. When pouring medicines from the bottles, incidentally, it is wise to keep the label up to prevent smearing the written directions.

A patient who likes to know the time but becomes annoyed at the loud ticking of a clock can be soothed by upending a clear glass tumbler over an open-faced watch. Another glass, when tapped with a spoon, will serve as a call bell if one is not immediately available.

On the other hand, a broken alarm clock with hands which can be set is useful as a silent reminder of the time for the next dose of medicine or tonic. If no old clock is handy, a large circle drawn on a piece of cardboard, with the hours inked or crayoned in, will make a satisfactory dial for a pair of cutout clock hands, pivoted in place in the center with a split paper fastener. This will also help pre-schoolers to learn to tell time, and if the hours are inked in with Roman numerals, the patient may crayon the Arabic numeral next to each one which is recognized or guessed correctly.

If the medicine is rather bitter or unpleasant, it is just as well to reward a young patient for a stoical performance. One easy method is to emulate church fairs and stock a cloth Grab Bag with miniature toys and favors from the dime store, wrapped up so their outlines cannot be guessed by searching fingers.

During the convalescent period, while the patient is still restricted to bed but may sit up, a piece of board cut to the proper size for a leaning back-rest under the pillow, will prove invaluable during the long hours. It is during this period, also, that the size of the bed itself will become an increasing problem as the limiting factor for the games and amusements which must be conjured up.

An early requirement, therefore, will be some sort of a stable tray or table upon which toys or tools can be operated with confidence. It is for Father or Big Brother that the following construction details for a simple tray and table are intended, with the suggestion to Mother or Older Sister that a wide length of oilcloth spread over the top blanket or counterpane, will prove a desirable covering when paints, paste, or water toys are in use.