re: Generics
My kids are older now, but things were improving on the medicine market as they were growing up. Cough and cold medicines can be had not only in nice chewables, but you can get dextromethorphan (sp?), the cough medicine, in little strips like breath strips. That particular chemical is bitter, and it's hard to get it to taste good.
My kids still don't like Robitussin.
BTW, I did not intend to give the impression that there was anything at all wrong with house brands or generics. The FDA rules on generics are damn strict. Just was amused by the attempt to imitate the brand names.