Getting children to take medicine can be a challenge. Here are some tips to make the process easier for both you and your child.
Table of contents
Creating a Positive Environment
- Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude when giving medicine. Your child will pick up on your anxiety.
- Honesty: Be honest about the taste. Don’t say it’s delicious if it isn’t.
- Incentives: Offer a small reward after they take their medicine.
- Empowerment: Give your child choices, like which cup to use or where to take the medicine.
- Family Involvement: Involve other family members to create a supportive environment.
Making Medicine More Palatable
- Flavor Improvement: Ask your pharmacist if you can mix the medicine with a little juice, water, milk, or formula.
- Pacifier Dispenser: If your child uses a pacifier, consider a pacifier medicine dispenser.
Techniques and Strategies
- Consistent Routine: Establish a consistent routine for taking medicine.
- Practice: Practice pill swallowing with small candies if pills are involved.
- Full Dosage: Ensure your child drinks the full amount of liquid medicine.
Tips from the Experts
- Be Intentional: Choose a time to administer medicine when your child is calm and receptive.
- Swallowing Pills: Many children can learn to swallow pills with practice.
With creativity and patience, you can make medicine time less stressful for everyone.
