### How to Tell if Your Child is Really Sick or Faking It It's common for kids to sometimes pretend to be sick to skip school. However, some symptoms are hard to fake. Here's how you can figure out if your child is truly ill or just pretending: 1. **Fever**: Use a thermometer to check for a fever. A fever over 100.5°F is a sign your child is sick. Tricks like using a hot water bottle won't raise internal body temperature. 2. **Appetite**: If your child is eating normally but complains of stomach pain, they might be faking it. Refusal to eat or drink is more concerning. 3. **Throat Check**: Use a small flashlight to look inside your child's mouth. White spots or discharge on the tonsils indicate illness. 4. **Rash**: A rash is hard to fake. If it covers a large area or appears as red dots, lacy patterns, or pimples, consult a doctor. 5. **Vomiting and Diarrhea**: These symptoms are hard to fake. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea, keep them home. 6. **Runny Nose**: This could be a cold or allergies. If accompanied by a fever and cough, it might be the flu. 7. **Headache**: Hard to verify, but if accompanied by blurry vision, eye pain, or a stiff neck, see a doctor. 8. **Back Pain**: Rare in kids unless there's a history of injury. Always consult a doctor if your child complains of back pain. Sometimes, kids might pretend to be sick due to anxiety or fear of school-related issues like bullying. Pay attention to their behavior and try to understand the underlying cause. Trust your instincts and know your child well to make the best decision.