How to Know if Your Kid is Faking Illness or Injury - "-Look for signs that it’s real: fever, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. -Observe a child over time, particularly when the child doesn’t know they’re being observed. Do they look sick? Do they act sick? -While the kid is lying in bed, press around on their stomach, see if any area hurts them. Ask them to jump up and down. Ask them if they want their favorite food for breakfast.