There’s perhaps nothing more difficult for a parent to bear than to see their child suffering. Whether it’s a case of the common cold or the full-blown flu, Mom and Dad’s top priority is to make their little one feel better as quickly as possible.

Below we’ve compiled some of our favorite time-tested, home-grown ways to comfort a sick child.

It may seem like a cliché, but there’s a reason well-meaning moms around the world have been making this tried-and-true dish for their ailing children for decades. Not only does it taste good, chicken soup (with or without the noodles) provides the warmth needed to soothe sore throats, with anti-inflammatory properties that help to clear nasal passages and remove excess mucus. Chicken soup also boosts fluid intake to prevent dehydration. And don’t forget the saltine crackers, another staple comfort food for sick kids.

When a child is suffering from the flu or a bad cold, their bedroom becomes their sanctuary. Make it as comfortable as possible by outfitting the bed with soft, clean linens and fluffy pillows. Sickness, especially when accompanied by fever, can bring with it spikes and dips in body temperature, so be sure to have a few thin layering blankets within easy reach. Keep an extra set of clean linens at the ready in case you need to quickly change soiled sheets.

There are many educational benefits of reading books to kids, but books are more than just developmental tools — they also provide wonderful opportunities for bonding and soothing. When a child is under the weather, the sound of Mom or Dad’s voice reading a familiar story is sure to help them relax and get much-needed rest for quicker recuperation.

Entertainment may not bring down a fever or clear a stuffed-up nose, but it could very well distract your ailing child from his or her symptoms for a while. They say laughter is the best medicine, so opt for a lighthearted, humorous movie. If your child doesn’t have a television in their bedroom, consider moving one in temporarily — the smile it will bring to your little patient’s face will make it well worth the extra effort.

No remedy in the world can compare to a bear hug from Mom or Dad. When they’re not feeling well, the one thing kids crave the most is to be held. Indulge sick babies and toddlers with extra time in the rocking chair; for older kids, extra TLC is in order.

Well, maybe not all of them — but when a child is sick, the situation calls for some leniency. If bedtime is usually at 8:30 but your little one is having trouble getting to sleep, you might allow them to read a few extra stories or watch one more television program. If they’ve already exceeded their daily juice limit but still want more, mix up a juice/water blend to make sure they’re getting the fluids they need to get well. Are ice cream and juice pops usually reserved for summer afternoons? Consider making an exception if they sound good to your little patient.

While none of these remedies is a magic cure-all on its own, using a few of them together may help your child feel better. If nothing else, your sick youngster will benefit from knowing that Mom and Dad truly have their best interests at heart.