Homework is 

the best way

 to extend

 learning and

develop good

 study habits.

--Iowa Department of Education.

 1 Have a Tea Party for Two, or Juice Some Fresh Lemons for Lemonade

Your child should drink extra fluids when sick, so find a way to make this fun. Avoid milk because it may thicken their secretions.

 2 Take a Steam Bath

Make pretend you're at a spa or a gym. Wrap your child in a warm towel and sit together on chairs in the bathroom while you run a steamy shower. The steam will moisten your child's nasal membranes, and relax you both. You can also add a capful of vapor bath (ask your pharmacist) to the tub for a mentholated steam.

 3 Watch a Disney Movie

Yes, we all know it's not a good idea to let children watch too much television. But when your child is sick, this is one activity that may engross her mind while letting her body rest. Let your child lie on the couch, head elevated on a pillow, to watch the show. This will help drain nasal passages.

 4 Make Little Things

These are good days to pull out a small box of Legos, Tinkertoys, or blocks. Ask your child to build something -- quietly -- on top of the bed, or on the living room carpet.

 5 Make Some Chicken Soup

Hot liquids are helpful decongestants. If you're busy, open a can of chicken broth and let your child help chop favorite veggies, such as carrots or celery, to simmer in it.

 6 Sketch Pictures

A simple sketch pad and some colored pencils are all your child needs to create art without a mess. Children can even rest in bed while they draw!

Medically reviewed by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, senior medical editor, WebMD, October 2001.