Sometimes kids are so miserable that all you can do is reassure them that they're loved -- and that they will feel better soon. But more often those days off from school are a balancing act of nursing, entertaining, and bucking up, with your own chores squeezed in between. In the ideas that follow, our readers share their favorite feel-better techniques. They might just help your household get back on its feet faster too. From boredom-busters to simple soothers, here's how to make sick days easier on everyone.

Meanwhile, print out this activity pack of sick-day boredom-busters! Click here (PDF) for an activity pack of word games, puzzles, and more.

Need more inspiration, or have some special tips of your own for those stay-at-home days? Visit Sick-Day Solutions at the new My Great Idea tool.