Fever is a natural defence against infection and does not need to be brought down just because it is present. The reason to give paracetamol or ibuprofen is to help a child who is distressed, achy or too uncomfortable to drink, not to force the temperature to normal. Treating the number alone offers no extra benefit and can lead to overuse of medicine.
Focus on keeping your child hydrated with regular small drinks, dressing them in light clothing rather than overheating or sponging with cold water, and offering rest. A child who is playing and drinking with a fever often does not need medicine at all.
If your child is clearly unwell, in pain, or struggling to rest, a weight-appropriate dose of fever medicine can help. Always use the product label or pharmacist advice for the correct amount, and seek medical help if warning signs appear or the fever persists beyond a few days.