Most children resist less if they feel it is normal to take medication. However, if a child is led to believe they are scary, they are unlikely to change their mind. Fortunately, there are several tricks available to parents.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Motivating the Child
Step 1. Try to have a positive attitude
If you talk about it negatively, your child will react accordingly. When you have to give him the first dose of a drug, just tell him, "Here, take your medicine." If he refuses, tell him it is a "magic" potion or pill.
Tell a slightly older child that the character in their favorite movie or book takes the same medicine to get stronger, smarter, or faster
Step 2. Explain what the drug is for
Make him understand why it's good for you. Look for some more detailed information and try to explain it to him. A few images could fuel his interest.
This method works best with older children, but can also work well with younger ones who need more clarification
Step 3. Pretend it tastes good
Show the child what to do by holding the medicine up to his mouth and pretending to take it. Say "aum!" and smile. It won't be enough, but it's a first step with younger children.
- You can also pretend to give it to a stuffed animal.
- If he's older, drink some fruit juice, pretending it's his medicine.
Step 4. Offer a reward
If you choose something he wants, it will have a strong incentive. Try candy or a sticker to put on his reward table, telling him it will help him get a bigger prize. With some children, a few compliments may be enough.
- Be careful with this method with older children - they may expect to be rewarded each time or demand more and more.
- Try giving him a kiss or a hug, but don't offer them upfront as a reward. If he doesn't cooperate and you refuse to hug him, it is likely that the baby will feel bad and that he will be further upset.
Step 5. You resort to punishment very rarely
They often trigger power struggles and make children more stubborn. Use them only in case of tantrums or when the drug is very important to health. Let him know that if he doesn't take the medicine, he will have to give up one of his favorite games.
Part 2 of 3: Enhancing the Flavor of Medicine
Step 1. Mix the medication with a fruit juice or smoothie
The colder and sweeter the drink, the better it will hide the bad taste. If the medicine is a syrup, you can mix it directly into the drink. The pills should be swallowed before ingesting anything else.
Read the package insert to find out which substances are "contraindicated". They risk inhibiting the effectiveness of the drug. For example, grapefruit juice impairs the action of many medicines, while milk can make some antibiotics ineffective
Step 2. Hide the medicine in the food
Crush it and mix it with a mashed apple or banana. The child will not be able to complain if he does not know that he is inside! If he finds out, admit it by telling him you just wanted to make it tastier.
Read the package leaflet to make sure there are no contraindications to taking the drug together with food
Step 3. Add some food flavorings to the syrup
It will increase the sweetness, erasing the bitter aftertaste of the medicine. Let the child choose the flavor.
Step 4. Hold the baby's nose
This action can make the bad taste of the syrup less unpleasant.
Step 5. Try to buy the same medicine with another flavor
If it's an over-the-counter drug, choose one that contains the same ingredient, but a different flavor. Medicines for children are usually flavored with various fruit flavors.
- Some children do not despise adult medicines that do not contain added sugars. Make sure that the percentage of the active ingredient is suitable for the intake.
- Ask your pharmacist if there is a flavored version for the prescribed drug.
Part 3 of 3: Giving Medicine to a Resistant Child
Step 1. Use this method as a last resort
You will likely be forced to use it in case the baby is too young to understand why he has to take medicine. Use it only if you have tried the other tricks before or if you need to take an important medication, such as an antibiotic.
Step 2. Tell him what you are going to do
Tell him you will hold him down to administer the medicine. Make it clear why this is so important. Give him one last chance to do what you ask him to do.
Step 3. Ask someone to hold the baby still
Have a family member hold their arms at their sides without being abrupt.
Step 4. Give him the medicine slowly
If necessary, plug his nose so that he opens his mouth. Administer the drug leisurely, so that it doesn't go wrong.
Use a plastic syringe if the child is younger. Point it to the inside of your cheek to keep it from choking
Advice
- If you are taking the medicine for demonstration purposes, explain the various steps to the child. Show him that this is normal so he doesn't fear.
- If he categorically refuses to take the medicine, let him speak to the doctor privately.
Warnings
- Do not define medicine in another way, perhaps by saying that it is a candy. It is better not to confuse the child. It could be dangerous if in another situation he sees the same drug and mistakes it for candy.
- Always warn him that he must never take medicine without your supervision or that of a trusted adult.
- Make sure you are giving the right doses to a child! Read the warnings carefully. If you are unsure, ask your doctor for the correct dosage.
- Do not administer medicine if the child is supine: it risks suffocating.
- Don't get discouraged and don't scold him for taking his medication, or he'll consider it punishment.
