“No!!!” screams your child and another dose of medication winds up on the floor. Frustrated, you give up…..for now.
When my children were little, taking medication was non-negotiable. Yes, I had a strong willed child as well (you are talking to a mom who sat on the shoulder of I-170 for 90 minutes while my toddler repeatedly unbuckled her seat belt – this was also non-negotiable in our house!)
- Empathize with your child - “I know you don’t like taking medicine but you need to take it.”
- Approach with a calm firm voice - You are the parent and this is something that must be accomplished. This is not a time to be your child’s “friend."
- Use the appropriate tool - Household flatware is not an appropriate dispensation tool. Medication syringes, cups and spoons are needed.
- Flavoring can be helpful - Ask your pharmacist to flavor the medication. At some pharmacies this is free or the cost is nominal.
- “A teaspoon of sugar” – The Mary Poppins tool. Mix the medication with pudding, applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream, Jell-O or Pixie Sticks. Just make sure the child takes the entire amount.
- The illusion of choice – Give your child a choice: “you can take the medication with a syringe or with a spoon. Which would you like to use?”
- Cold helps – Either numb the tongue with a Popsicle or ice cube prior to giving the medication or give the medication cold. This tricks the taste buds.
- Bypass the taste buds – Your taste buds are located front and center in the tongue; slowly drip the medication in a syringe into the sides of the child’s mouth, with your child lying at a 45 degree angle so he/she doesn’t choke or spit out the medication.
When the mission is accomplished, praise your child. Offer much positive reinforcement for a job well done. Using a star chart or behavior modification chart in older children is helpful.
As a last and final resort for teeth clinchers, if all the above measures fail, pinch the child’s nose closed to open the mouth. Keep the child at a 45 degree angle and then insert the medication slowly on the sides of the mouth. Obviously, this is a two person operation since the child needs to be restrained. Remember this is non-negotiable and you are the parent. You know what is best for your child!
Encourage your child as soon as developmentally possible to swallow pills. Many children as young as 4 can be taught to swallow pills. Use Tic Tacks, Skittles, and ice chips to mimic pills. By age 6-8, all children can swallow small pills.