If you make the medicine look casual, most children won't be too resistant to it. However, when they think that drugs are scary, it will be difficult to change that assumption back. Luckily, there are plenty of tips in parenting books for this.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Motivating Children
Step 1. Start with the positive
If you think something looks bad, the kids will think the same. For the first dose of a new drug, say "Here, take this medicine." If your child refuses, refer to the drug as a "super drop" or "power pill."
Tell the children that a favorite character in a movie or book takes medicine to be strong, smart or fast
Step 2. Explain the use of the drug
Explain why the drug is good. Find out the details of the drug and try to explain it to them. Pictures can keep children interested.
This is best done with older children, but it can also work well with younger children who are more logical
Step 3. Pretend to like her
Show the child what they should do by pointing the medicine to your lips and pretending to take it. Say "Hmm!" and smile. This is not always effective, but it is an easy first step for young children.
- You can pretend to feed the mock animals too.
- For older children, take a cup of your "medicine" which is actually fruit juice.
Step 4. Offer a gift
Choose something that the child wants, then it can be a strong stimulus. Try giving candy, or a sticker on the gift chart that could lead to a bigger prize. For some children, verbal praise is considered sufficient.
- Older children may begin to expect gifts all the time, or ask for more.
- You can give hugs and kisses, but don't offer them as gifts beforehand. If your child doesn't cooperate and you refuse to hug him, this can lead to bad feelings and more stubborn behavior.
Step 5. Rarely punish
This can lead to a power struggle that makes the child more stubborn. Give punishment only after extreme bad behavior, or when the drug is critical to health. Tell your child that if he doesn't take his medication, you will stop their favorite activity or activities.
Part 2 of 3: Making Medicine Taste Better
Step 1. Combine the remedy with fruit juice or a cold smoothie
The colder and sweeter the drink, the better it will block bad tastes. You can mix the liquid medicine directly into the drink. Pills must be taken first, then taken at the same time as the drink.
First, check the drug label in the “contraindicated” ingredients section. This can make the drug less effective. Grapefruit juice affects many drugs, while milk affects some antibiotics
Step 2. Hide medicine in food
Crush the pill and mix it with applesauce or mashed banana. Kids can't complain if they don't know the medicine is there! If your child finds out, admit it's there and say you just want to make it feel good.
Check the drug label to make sure it can be taken with food
Step 3. Add drops of medicinal flavor to the liquid medicine
These drops can increase the sweet taste as well as suppress the bitter taste. Let your child choose the taste.
Step 4. Pinch your Child's nose
This can make liquid medicine that doesn't taste good taste better.
Step 5. Try a new flavored drug
If the medicine is cheap and sold at the pharmacy, buy another bottle from the children's section. There are usually several fruit flavors available.
- Some children like the adult version of the drug with no added sugar. Make sure you give it at the child's dose.
- Ask the pharmacist if he has a prescription in flavored form or not.
Part 3 of 3: Giving Medication to a Child Who Resists
Step 1. Use this method as a last resort
You need to do this when the child is too young to understand why he should take the medicine. Use this method only when you have tried all other methods, and only do so for essential medications, such as antibiotics.
Step 2. Explain what you are going to do
Tell the child that you will tell him to be quiet and give the medicine. Explain why it is so important that you should do this. Give him one last chance to obey.
Step 3. Ask someone to silence the child
Ask another family member to gently hold the child's arm by his side.
Step 4. Give the medicine slowly
If necessary, pinch his nose to open his mouth. Give the medicine slowly so that the child does not choke.
Use plastic spray for younger children. Aim at the cheek to avoid choking
Tips
- If you take medication, let your child watch you take it. Show that the drug is normal, not scary.
- If your teen doesn't want to take medication, ask him to talk to the doctor in private.
Warning
- Don't mention other things like candy. You don't want them to confuse medicine and candy, this can be dangerous if they see medicine in another situation and think of it as candy.
- Always explain that they will not take medication unless it is given by you or a trusted adult.
- Be sure to give the medicine according to the child's dose! Read medical warnings carefully. If you are unsure, ask your doctor about a safe dosage.
- Do not give medication to a child who is lying on his back to avoid choking.
- Don't get frustrated and yell at them to take the medicine. They will take it as a punishment.
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