Being sick is never a good thing. Or is it?
We can all recall the good ‘ol days when being sick meant being able to stay home from school. Whether we were being watched by a relative or even able to stay at home by ourselves as we became older, being stuck at home wasn’t always the worst thing that could happen.
Most of us spent our days watching TV and movies, playing video games and with other toys, and simply using our imagination. The food wasn’t half-bad either.
Here is a list of some of the things you might remember back when you were kept home from school. Let the good times roll.
No matter what age you were when you stayed home sick from school, the Looney Tunes were likely a part of your day. Who wouldn’t want a good laugh when feeling under the weather? Nobody!
We have all been guilty of watching this show when at home. It was full of so much drama. For those interested, Maury is still on today!
Thanks, Maury for keeping us company for all those years!
This was obviously the best part of staying home for all of us. These movies seemed to never disappoint. VHS tapes rule!
4) The Busiest Man in the Biz
If you weren’t watching Bob Barker with your grandma at some point growing up, what were you doing?! It was always fun playing the games together. Somehow, she won every time.
When your parents did what they could to put a smile on your face before heading out to work… Particularly when they made you eat things you didn’t like because it would make you “feel better.” Take Cream of Wheat, for example
Need we say more? Getting to chill in your bed with a game glued to your face was all any of us wanted. Sick days allowed us this privilege. Game Boy always delivered.
This sweet medicine made every child smile when they tasted it. And for good reason, it was delicious!
I don’t think I’m feeling too well… *runs to store*
This might be one of the most missed parts about those vhs tapes. That man’s voice will be with us forever. Who remembers the light music ding that played in the background?
Tomato soup was a staple for sick kids. Though, I’ll never understand why. It was gross! It’ll always be chicken noodle for me.
This side to tomato soup, however, deserves a round of applause. It’s the true champion when it came to sick meals at home. Just look at that cheesy goodness.
When your mom calls home to check on you and asks if you want her to pick up anything on her way home… “Grab me a pack of cigs, would ya doll?”
Yep, candy cigarettes were a thing.
So much better than tomato soup! It’s been the soup of choice for decades. Grab a bowl and you’ll see why!
Being home all day meant finally being able to take proper care of your children. After all, your babies never made it while you were in school. How dare the education system!
Being at home meant the computer was all yours. Tie up the phone line as much as you like. That is, until your parents get ahold of you!
Lunchables were a great “meal” for kids. Even today, if you’re feeling nostalgic, grab a Lunchable! They will not disappoint!
Vernor’s was the ginger ale of choice for many. Though there were several on the market, none could compare. Even at parties and family gatherings, somebody was always asked to grab some Vernors.
17) Soup’s Closest Cousin
These were so much better than any soup! Even the version with the franks was out of this world. They’re still a favorite!
It was this or Cream of Wheat. Of course, many chose this! There was just something about oats on a sick day.
19) Pour Some Vap-Rub On Me!
It left a strong smell around but it did wonders. Aside from stuffing a tissue in a stuffy nostril, this was just as good. Now, you really look the part!.
20) Starting and Ending Your Day
Lounging in your PJs all day. Yes, please. Even the bear wanted to hang around.
Saltine crackers literally went with whatever soup we were being made to eat. The best part of the meal were the saltines. It never failed.
22) The Reason for Existing
If this wasn’t a good reason to stay home sick, then I don’t know what was. This game and the system were a true lifeline back in the day. Just look at that sweet setup.
Not having to worry about your alarm for the next morning becuase your parents say that you’re still too sick to return to school. You might as well unplug it. But wait, we have shows to binge.
24) Capri Sun for Everyone!
Who could forget the awesome taste of Capri Sun? Somebody who isn’t living life, that’s who! These were in every kid’s lunch pail and for good reason!
Sally Jessy Raphael was like our counselor. She looked as old as our parents and spoke as softly and stern as our mom. The difference was, she was used to handling the crazy. Thank you, Sally.
It wasn’t out of the ordinary for there to be cookies around when someone was sick. After all the soup and water, we could use a little sugar boost. By little, I mean a baker’s dozen.
This is where many of young people’s creativity began. So much so, when everybody returned home, they’re belongings were stamped also. Whoops.
Giving the dolls some much needed alone time. They just got married, okay? Even though they were married practically every day, every honeymoon counts.
The best yogurt on the shelves! Though your doctor advised you to stay away from dairy, these were just calling your name from the back of the fridge. Hey, it didn’t hurt to be out of school for an extra day.
Sorry, doc.
This guy was everybody’s pal! And why not? He was smooth, handsome, and classy. Plus, he had the coolest name on television.
When your mom asks your grandma to feed you soup and sanwiches when you’re ill but you see her whip these out when your parents leave. Amen.
There’s no telling what was inside these containers. It was like Christmas.
32) The First Magic Carpet
Before all those computer games where you could build cities, there was this. A rug. Not just any rug but a magical rug. Go on, hop on. You’ll be surprised where it might take you.
33) Living Life in the Fast Lane
When your folks left, you could finally get down to business. That was playing with your cars, of course. Or crashing them.
This purple stuff was nothing like the pink medicine. Yuck. This grape-flavored concoction made us all feel worse. That is, until we felt better.
It was great being sick anytime your parents fed you these! Yum! It tasted more like candy than it did a vitamin. These were like a daily treat.
36) Out of This World Good
Yeah, the entire box would be gone when everybody returned home. But you’re sick. You need some extra goodness in your life.
We can’t all be artists. Or can we? This kit might not have been yours but it was around when others weren’t. Just make sure you replace things!
When you were imagining your house being broken into like the kid in
Home Alone…. you needed to be prepared. It was for that (obviously) or for plotting your next big plan with a friend.
When you hear that you missed this awesome game in gym class. Now you’re just in time for the state’s fitness test. Why me?
ZOBOOMAFOO!! When you were feeling under the weather, this was sure to make you feel better. Not only was it a great song, it was also an awesome show!
When your grandma is watching you and brings not only her favorite candy but yours as well. These were great, if not some of the best. Especially when you’re feeling under the weather.
When the person watching you falls asleep… it was go-time! They can’t blame you for having good taste.
When you got to play with the lights all day, unchecked… better yet, watching scary movies with the lights off and having quick access to pulling yourself back to reality. Either way, this changed the game.
One of the best parts about being home sick was being able to watch the shows you weren’t allowed to.
Jerry Springer introduced us to a whole lot of crazy. Hopefully, none of us landed as guests on his show down the line!
This was the dream. A television with a vhs player attached to it. Talk about a one-stop shop.
The most delicious of them all. We always made sure mom brought these home from the store on her way back home. It’s always wise to stock up for the next few months.
Some kids really, really, really loved Pokemon. Some then became adults who really, really, really, love Pokemon. You just might have some gems in your collection.
Chew as much as you want! Nobody is here to stop you. But then again, why would they?
Remember those cool tattoos inside?
Or not. She was the one person on TV that none of us wanted to end up in front of. She kept adults on the straight and narrow! She probably made some kids second-guess whether faking sick was a criminal offense.
Not knowing that there was an actual way to play marbles… But they looked cool and deserved all of your attention anyway. They’re just so shiny.
This was the game of all games. You could sit in front of the computer for hours living in an enitre different era. Even though you had chores to do, you never got tired of doing them in this game.
Tired of wearing your pajamas all day (don’t see how that could happen but to each their own)? You might have grabbed some clothes that weren’t yours to snuggle up in. Let’s be real, you always picked the coolest clothing items to chill in.
Unfortunately, you probably left germs behind.
Rolling out your sleeping back to rest in your fort is never a bad idea. Besides, just look at the awesome designs! Be jealous.
Of course, we couldn’t forget Ricki Lake! She was one of the younger daytime talk show hosts and because of that, felt like an older sibling. She also had quite a few memorable guests.
Blowing what little air you can muster up to blow on this bad boy. You don’t want to waste time being home alone! When your siblings get back, sick or not, it’s game over.
Sneaking into your sibling’s or parent’s room to listen to their CDs. You were guaranteed to find some artists who would go on to become some of your favorites. Thanks, older folks.
When you’re busy living the good life, it’s easy to forget that you are actually falling behind in your work. That is, until your parents deliver all of the assignments you missed while being at home sick.
The longer you stay, the more you pay. I know. Bummer trade-off.
58) It’s All MINE! Muahaha
When you’re sick, your parents will just throw things at you. Score! If your sibling finds the toy in the cereal box, it’s yours. At least, it will be when they have to go to school and you don’t.
Trying to get your parents to stop by here to grab more movies for your next few days of sickness. Those were the days.
60) Picking the Wrong Day
Getting back to school and finding out you missed a day of movies because you chose the wrong day to be sick. It happens to all of us.
Heavy sigh.
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