I absolutely dread when the kids get sick. Not just because they’re whiny and grouchy and tired, but because it usually also means that I get to fight with them three times a day to give them medicine. It is an ongoing battle for 7 to 10 days, and a chore that I really, really do not like at all.
Explain WHY They Need to Take Medicine In The First Place
Kids don’t always understand how medicine works, or why they need to take it. By explaining it in terms they understand, you increase the chance of cooperation. Try saying that medicine will help your child feel better so they can go back to the playground (or back to any other activity they love).
Avoid the Tastebuds
Many kids simply do not like the taste of medication (my 3 year old cannot stand the taste of amoxicillin, which it seems like he always needs). When giving liquid medicine, place the dropper/syringe in their cheek pouch. That way they don’t taste it, or at least taste much less of it. Not only that, but it is harder for them to spit it out, too.
Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist for Suggestions
Who better to ask than the experts! If you have a hard time getting your child to take medicine, ask your doctor how you can disguise it. Many doctors and pharmacists will allow you to put certain medicines in juice or add flavorings to it. Ask if you can safely mix a liquid medicine with juice or food . . . orange juice is often used to conceal bad-tasting medicine.
Here are some other ideas about how to “hide” medicine . . . again, make sure to get the go-ahead from your doctor prior to trying these out!
-Coat pills with with applesauce or vanilla icing
-Allow child to swallow capsules with soda
-Open capsules and sprinkle contents into a straw, like a pixie stick
-Inject liquid medication into a hot dog or waffle
Give Your Child an “Out”
Before the battle begins, make sure that you have an “out” ready for your child to take. Make sure that you tell your child that it’s almost time for medicine, and ask if he wants to take it before or after lunch or before or after something they look forward to (maybe watching a favorite cartoon).
And once it’s actually time to take the medicine, we all know the battle begins immediately. So instead of just starting to scream about all of the privileges you are going to take away, allow your child to take a short break. This gives him time to regroup both physically and emotionally.
Let Your Spouse Try To Give The Medicine
If you battle with your child about medicine every day all day, maybe it’s time to consider asking your spouse to give it a shot. Maybe you administer medicine in the morning and afternoon, and hubby gives it to the child at dinner and bedtime. Not only does this give you a break, but it also helps your child realize that both parents can handle this.
What tips can you share when it comes to giving children medication?
