If you know what days are rough you could always make sure the kids have a surprise basket of goodies to keep them busy for awhile. Like Target Dollar spot stuff!!! For the 4 yr old, coloring books, crayons, stuff like that. The for 9 yr old those little hand held games, pack of playing cards, etc... Just a thought! Right now my friend and I are working up a basket for a 12 yr old girl in the hospital for the next ten days. I went into my "warehouse" and found quite a bit of stuff for her to do - jewelry kits, 20 Questions hand held game that I just got for 1/2 off Monday, etc... Always nice to have a stock pile!