When the child in your life starts complaining about a tummy ache, it can cause panic to ripple through even the stoic and battle-hardened parents or caregivers. But before you conjure up worst-case scenarios, remember that an upset stomach in kids is more common than feeling out of sorts after a new year's resolution workout. The key players in your child's recovery journey include hydration, a diet of easy-on-the-stomach foods, and, when needed, medical guidance.

Turn your fear into power by knowing that the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't usually recommend anti-nausea drugs for kids unless their vomiting gets at the Megadeth concert-level. In some severe instances, health experts may suggest Zofran, or as medics prefer to call it, ondansetron, which is typically associated with alleviating nausea for chemo or radiation patients.

Avoid handing your kiddos antidiarrheals the same way the Hulk avoids losing his cool. Focus instead on rehydration, possibly the only parental responsibility more important than putting on your poker face when you step on a mysteriously wet Lego piece. Drinks like Pedialyte or Ceralyte, filled to the brim with the right combo of salt, sugar, and minerals, win over plain water, unable to support the electrolyte demands of a turbulent tummy.

Speaking of demands, don’t be surprised if your little one downplays their hunger pangs in the face for weird stomach feelings. When they're ready to brave the food front, stick to lighter fare they can digest easier than a convoluted reality TV plot. However, check in with their healthcare provider before laying out a spread that calls into question their professional advice.

If you want to kick the already annoying stomach upset into git-'er-done mode, avoid feeding foods and drinks that irritate the stomach. Something else to sidestep is flippantly handing out medications without a doctor's say-so. That’s the generally agreed-upon equivalent of putting unsupervised toddlers in a room with glitter glue - likely problematic.

Remember, their upset stomach won't present as a Dickens novel with explainable origins. Their stomach could be protesting against infections, gas, constipation, food allergies/intolerance, or indigestion. But when things get serious, like diarrhea and vomiting serious, focus on keeping your tiny human hydrated, guiding them to ingest easily digestible foods, and ensuring plenty of snooze time. Trust that healthcare specialists will step in with prescriptions if needed.