Tips for Dads Home with Sick Kids

These household remedies will have your kids on the mend in no time

By Julie McCoy, Parenting

Inevitably, if you have kids, they will get sick and won't be able to go to daycare or school. In households where both parents work, parents may take turns staying home, and some dads may be unsure what to do to help make the kids feel better. Here are some simple suggestions:

Rice sock warmers for the aches

To soothe aches, take a clean cotton sock, the longer the better, and fill it with 3/4 cup of uncooked rice. Tie the sock shut and put it in a microwave for 2 minutes. Test the sock to make sure it isn't too warm before you hand it to your child. Most heated rice socks stay warm for an hour or two.

Frozen fruit pops for sore throats

Making your own frozen fruit pops to soothe sore throats is easy. Wash fresh fruit, cut off any stems, and throw the fruit in a blender. Pour the crushed fruit into plastic ice-pop trays and freeze them for at least 3 hours, or until they are solid. If you don't have fresh fruit, you can use any fruit juice.

A steam bath to loosen congestion

To alleviate congestion, create your own steam bath by turning on the hot water in the shower. Sit with your little one in the bathroom, and make sure the child doesn't touch the hot water. Or, you can fill your sink with hot water, put a towel over your child's head above the sink, and have her breathe in the steam that way, too.

Warm soothing food

Warm up apple juice with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a tasty version of hot apple cider that can soothe sore throats or open airways. Make sure you remove the cinnamon stick, if using, before serving to your little one. And while most kids are not very hungry when they have a cold or tummy ache, usually a warm bowl of noodles with a little melted butter and grated cheese will get a nibble.