Sniffle Solutions

First, make sure your son is drinking throughout the day, since chugging liquids can thin mucus.

Next, have him breathe in some steam to lubricate his nose and chest, which can unclog those passages. A few options:

• Run a hot shower and have him sit in the bathroom with the door closed for 10 minutes.
• Fill a bowl with hot water, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, place a towel on top and waft the steam towards him. (Placing his head directly above the bowl without a towel may lead to burns.)
• Run a humidifier in his room, especially while he sleeps.

If he’s still feeling stuffed up, try an over-the-counter saline spray to loosen the congestion and moisten nasal membranes.