Coughing... sneezing... crying... some kids will do just about anything to fake sickness. Doctors say there are ways to determine if your child is a faker.

"Things that kids can't fake... an actual fever," says pediatrician Doctor Tracey Myatt.

But there are ways to tip the thermometer in their favor. Doctors say parents should stay in the room the entire time so children can't use a hot beverage to heat things up.

"Well, my number one best reason for being sick and not going to school is because, I really like, I don't like to get homework... I don't like tests," says seven-year-old Gianni Figueroa

Dr. Myatt says, "If they say they are sick and they stay home from school and two hours later they are running around playing with their games, acting like they normally do, there might be some faking going on."

Frequency and timing are key. If your child claims to be sick every month or six weeks, that could be a pattern to their faking sick... and beware of the setup... If your teen says their friend is sick, call the boy's parents to make sure. And another good reason to fake sick?... homework.

"Talk to their teachers to know exactly what kinds of homework, what kinds of exams are done at certain times of the week,"says Dr. Myatt.

Peer pressure and bullying are major reasons children pretend to be sick. So parents, don't get duped - a child who is faking it may not need a doctor... but they may need your help.