Getting a child to take medication can sometimes be very challenging, especially because younger children may have difficulty taking meds. They may have a hard time swallowing pills or may resist medication that tastes bad, as many medications do. Some kids will throw up when confronted with large doses of artificial grape, strawberry or orange stuff.
There is no one right way to get a child to take medication, but there are several methods to try that may help. Note that all methods may not work for all medications, since some meds can’t be crushed or taken with food. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions regarding this.
For the child who struggles with the taste of medications, try teaching pill swallowing. Sometimes half the battle in getting a child to take medication is the taste of liquid medications. Avoid chewable over the counter pills, which may have the same unpleasant results and switch to appropriately dosed meds that can be swallowed with a quick drink of a child’s favorite juice, chocolate milk or the like.
It’s okay to give a treat when the most important aspect is to make sure that a necessary medication is taken. Also, don’t hold out on this treat the first few times a child must swallow a pill. Instead, give it before a problem develops so the first few times swallowing pills are not difficult. Try gel pills when you can, providing they are the right dose, since these may be easier to swallow.
Treats don’t have to come in the form of sugary drinks. You may be able to get a child to take medication, liquid or pill form, if you offer incentive to do so. This might be as simple as offering shiny quarters, gold stars on a chart that will earn a special reward, or even extra time with mom or dad reading a favorite book. If you can associate something positive with taking medication, your child may be much more willing or able to take his/her meds.
Another thing you can do with many small pills is to crush them in something very flavorful. A few examples are cheese, bananas, or a small amount of juice. Make sure the amount of extra ingredient is small so you can be sure the child takes all his medication, and also be sure the meds can be crushed or can be taken with foods. This is not always the case, but in many cases is an acceptable means of getting a child to take medication.
You’ll also want to make sure that you don’t shame a child who is having trouble taking meds, and it can help to view this from the child’s perspective. To them, taking meds may not have a direct result, but to you, taking meds may be vital. Yet if you convey too much urgency, the child may feel under pressure and be less able to do what is needed.
When you’re trying to get a child to take medication, do not yell or lecture if a child throws up meds or is being difficult. Take a few moments, hold the child, acknowledge that it’s difficult and assure them of your love. Then try again, if instructed by doctors, using a method above or one of your own invention to assist you.
