Is giving your child medicine a difficult experience? Does she fuss and push you away whenever it is time to take the medicine? When you finally get the medicine in her mouth, does she spit it out or let half of it drip down her chin?
Unfortunately, at some point your child will likely have to take medication. And since it is very important to give your child medication when necessary and as prescribed, it is also important to lessen the struggle and have your child take the medicine as needed.
Consider Your Child’s Perspective
Kids think that they are invincible. They are sure that whatever illness they have will just go away on its own. They see no reason to take the gross tasting medicine that you are giving to them.
Take the Time to Explain
It can be very helpful to explain to your child why it is important that he take his medicine. You will want to use terms that he can understand. You can talk about how he hasn’t been feeling very well lately and how medicine can help. You can even compare the medicine to a warrior who is going to fight his illness.
Show Compassion and Stay Positive
You will want to express to your child that you understand that the medicine doesn’t taste very good and isn’t fun to take; however, you don’t need to apologize. It is common for parents to say, “I’m sorry that you have to take this,” but instead it could be helpful to display an overall positive attitude and gratitude for modern medicine. Having a way to heal your child is a wonderful thing!
Offer Choices when Possible
Offering choices that have the same end result can give your child a sense of control that will help her take her medicine. When possible, offer those smaller choices to your child. Chewable or liquid? Before breakfast or after? With juice or with milk? Sip from a spoon or a cup? Always check with your doctor or pharmacist on these options.
Make it Taste Better
Many times the pharmacy is able to add flavoring to help cover the taste of the medication itself. You can also create your own mixes at home by adding medicine to a spoonful of chocolate syrup, pudding, or yogurt. (Note: Check with your pharmacist before you do this and be sure to still give the correct and complete dosage.) Another alternative is to allow your child to have a small, but bold-flavored treat right after taking the medication. A jelly bean or a small chocolate morsel can make a big difference! “First medicine, and then candy.”
Numb their Tongue First
Eating an icy treat, like a popsicle, before taking medicine might help numb your child’s taste buds and reduce the unpleasant taste of the medicine.
Have the Doctor Explain
Sometimes it helps a child when he can hear instructions from a doctor or pharmacist directly. They carry authority, and your child is likely to listen closely and follow those instructions. The doctor or pharmacist can also explain why your child has to take the medicine.
Allow for Independence
Many kids hate having an adult push a yucky elixir into their mouths so an alternative is to allow your child to put the medicine into her mouth herself. Chewable tablets are easy to control the correct dosage, and the medicine droppers that look like syringes are also child friendly. This simple step of independence could help your child feel much more comfortable.
No Matter What – Take Your Medicine!
If your child has an illness that requires medication to heal don’t give up just because it’s a battle. This is one of those times as a parent that you need to be the leader. Happy or not – the medicine must go down.
For more parenting tips like this one see The No-Cry Discipline Solution
The No-Cry Solution Books
Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series
